THE CAMBRIDGE Hotel in Parkes, which was established in 1929, has long been the go-to nightlife venue in Parkes and there's no sign of that abating anytime soon with the news that the pub has applied for the extension of its operating hours for outdoor entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.
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The 'Cambo', as it is affectionately known, submit an Development Application (DA) to the Parkes Shire Council recently, and it was unanimously approved at last Tuesday's July meeting.
Events at the pub always seem to be a raging success, with one recent example the 'Drags to Bitches' drag show in March in which healthy, COVID-19 responsible, crowds enjoyed two consecutive nights of riotous entertainment - a trend that looks set to continue.
Approval was granted for a maximum of 15 full band events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, limited to two musicians, in a twelve month period at the pub's famed beer garden.
All music must cease at midnight, and can only be held for three consecutive nights four times in a 12 month period; ensuring both the pub and the residents in the surrounding area, are treated as fairly as possible.
Brendan Hayes, the council's director of planning and environment, was happy to endorse the DA and said there had been barely any noise complaints in the last couple of years.
"We feel like we have accommodated the business, and alleviated any problems brought forward," he said at last Tuesday's meeting.
"The amount and number of complaints is almost minimal, we have previously over the years addressed some matters that there was noise emanating from the beer garden area, but there has been little activity in recent complaints."
Cr Bill Jayet echoed those sentiments.
"I have spoken to residents in Currajong Street, and the noise has never bothered them whatsoever."
There were just two submissions received in response to the DA, which both centred around noise concerns.
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One such submission said "At the audible levels recently experienced, it would be highly bothersome to have the music continue after 9pm...inside our home we can barely concentrate or hold a conversation without raising our voices, let alone sleep, when the entertainment is ongoing."
Cr Alan Ward acknowledged the issues raised in that submission, though he was very clear to point out the importance of local business growing and adapting.
"I'm all for a good opportunity to be able to advance, offer more and make a profit, but I do know there are a lot of residents up that hill...and no one sleeps when live music is on," he said.
Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM, looked to alleviate those concerns by stating the required position of the speakers should ensure noise doesn't carry.
"One of those conditions is the music and speakers be aimed towards the hotel and not up the hill, so hopefully the neighbours east of the hotel won't be impacted as much in the future," Cr Keith said.
There will be a noise complaint register so that anyone who is affected can register their complaint on the night when live entertainment is on.
Given how hard all our local business in the Parkes Shire, and indeed the entire of regional NSW, have had it following drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, more live entertainment is great news for the community, and the Cambridge Hotel.
Business NSW's regional manager for Western NSW Vicki Seccombe said now was the perfect time to support our local pubs, clubs and cafes by utilising the Dine and Discover vouchers.
"The Greater Sydney and Orange region lockdowns has had a devastating impact to many businesses right across Western NSW and using your Dine and Discover vouchers is one way you can support your local businesses and their staff throughout this trying time," she said.
Support your local businesses as much as you can - let's stick together in this tough time.
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