New hours are being set for the noise regulation of party boats in Sydney Harbour. The hours will stay the same on special occasions.
As of December 2022, new conduct regulations will be implemented in Sydney Harbour to restrict the noise levels of partygoers on boats.
The rules, instituted by the New South Wales government, prohibit vessels from playing amplified music while anchoring or mooring, or operating within 200 meters of the shore between 10 pm and 8 am.
Previously, boats with amplified sound systems were not allowed to anchor or moor between midnight and 8 am, meaning the updated regulations reduce the permitted “parked” party time by two hours.
The Code of Conduct for commercial vessels using amplified sound systems in the Harbour seeks to “mitigate the impact of noise from amplified sound systems on other waterway users and residents of adjoining lands.”
However, these changes should not those who are looking to party a bit later for holidays such as Christmas or New Year’s Eve. As the new hours will not be in effect on Friday or Saturday nights, or the evenings preceding public holidays, which will still follow the regular midnight-8 am rules.
In addition, commercial party boats are banned from operating within 200 meters of any shore within Sydney Harbour, North Harbour, and Middle Harbour, and are prohibited from operating west of Kirribilli and Bennelong Points between midnight and 8 am.
Commercial vessel operators who violate these regulations may receive a penalty notice under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017 or a direction or noise control notice.
The NSW Transport department is accepting suggestions for amendments to the Code. A spokesperson for Transport for NSW stated that the changes to the hours were identified during a recent review of the Code of Conduct and will ensure that “the harbour can be enjoyed by all members of the community.”
The agency will monitor the changes to the Code and meet with stakeholders as necessary to discuss the modifications. The Commercial Vessels Association has not yet commented on the new regulations.
