MOD 6 - Events and Functions

Thank you for the opportunity of reviewing the proposal. Please find attached our submission.

White Bay Terminal: MOD 6 - Events and Functions: MP10_0069-Mod-6 - I object to the proposal totally. It is a huge infringement on the amenity of local residents.
The fivefold increase in Patrons is incompatible with the area ...parking will be unavailable an d anightmare for lcoals & pateons I also object to the increase in noise by 5dB — almost doubling the accepted and agreed limits, which will echo out across quiet residential streets above the cruise ship terminal. That you did not specify the volume of this increase — instead phrasing it as "only" 5dB — reflects this disingenuity. Especially given already damaging noise levels: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/excessive-noise-council-urges-more-noise-control-for-white-bay-cruise-terminal-20161222-gtgkbt.html

Please see attached

See the attached

Please refer to attached submission.

I object to this proposed modification; please see my attached submission. Thank you.

There is currently an unacceptable level of noise from the Cruise ships and I strongly object to any modifications to increase the number of patrons at the White Bay Cruise Ship Terminal as it will only compound this issue.

Submission attached

Dear Lauren

City staff have reviewed the proposal and do not wish to comment on the modifications.

Regards

David Zabell
Senior Planner

Submission attached.

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to voice my support for the proposed modifications at White Bay Cruise Terminal - principally the increase of the maximum event capacity (to 2500 at any one time) as well as changes to noise restrictions at the site.

This venue is perfect for small to medium events and is criminally under-utilised as such. The current restrictions on capacity and noise on NON-CRUISE ship days is also hypocritical - as cruise ships often see thousands of people embark and disembark, with significant (and noticeable) noise and activity.

There are so few venues in the inner city that are as flexible, functional and well-located as White Bay - meaning events that would otherwise be impossible (either due to logistics, location or cost) are feasible once again within the city. One such example is a cycling race we've held twice at White Bay (most recently here: https://thespokespeople.com/events/criterium-white-bay-2018/). However, due to having hit the current capacity window (as well as struggling with the noise restrictions) we have had to stop running the event.

Criterium White Bay is (or was) the only event of its type in Sydney - run within the city, and in a location that suited both participants and spectators (with a strong community and sustainable focus). It was low noise/impact, run professionally, and attracted riders and spectators from all around Australia (and Asia Pacific). It had also begun to grow into a multi-sport festival - with running and family events included - plus the support of major sporting bodies around the country (who are crying out for events like this in Sydney). However, due to the low capacity, sponsors have progressively dropped off to the point the event has become unsustainable. With hundreds of participants, a 500 cap allowed only a small spectator crowd - and a queue at the gate of people who could not get in to enjoy the event. Sponsors got a very low ROI for their spend - but would almost certainly re-engage if the cap was lifted (in fact, almost all have verbally indicated as much).

If we could have 2500 capacity at a time, it would open the door for spectators, sponsors, and more participants from around the world to enjoy a unique and exciting event (as well as media - with interest for live-streaming and TV to a global audience). All of a sudden our little event at White Bay would become one of the premier cycling events in the world (for the location, excitement and unique style of event). All with very low noise and impact (with a cheering crowd the only noise to be managed).

Of the 2x events we ran - the only complaint lodged was about noise, which ended up being from a party boat on the harbour. These party boats make significantly more noise than we ever would - and run everyday. We use a distributed sound system (buffeted by the venue) and constant level measuring to make sure there is no discernible disruption to residents. Similarly, all our spectators and participants either arrive by bike or use James Craig Rd to access the carpark/venue - to minimise local traffic disruption.

This covers just our event - however, there would be 100s of different (and amazing) events that could responsibly use that space - that cannot currently due to draconian caps on capacity and noise. Family events, community events, corporate events, launches, sports, and more. Diverse and interesting uses of this amazing space - rather than it being empty so much of the time (when there are no ships). We were even approached 2 years ago by the Invictus Games to try and help them activate the space - only to look elsewhere once they learned of the unreasonably low max capacity limit.

I feel compelled to mention again that this is a working port, with loud ships and dock activity on most days of the year. Thousands of people embarking/disembarking, forklifts, ship horns, etc. Surely, utilising a great space like this responsibly for considered local events cannot be as loud or disruptive as a working port!

Small to medium events are dying in Sydney - due to soft sponsorship/revenue opportunities, insurance rate hikes, overbearing compliance/bureaucracy, and lack of affordable venue spaces. For Sydney to maintain its reputation as a cosmopolitan and liveable city - it needs small to medium events to draw tourists, generate revenue and provide the lifestyle Sydneysiders so value. This requires affordable, accessible, world-class venues for these events - and White Bay is absolutely perfect for this. I do not believe there is a significant risk of noise or disruption to locals with the proposed modifications - so long as the events run are done so responsibly and professionally (as all events should be). In fact, it may well improve the liveability of the area with fun and engaging activities/opportunities at residents' doorsteps.

I look forward to our company, and many others, running successful events at White Bay in the future - and welcoming people from all over Sydney (and around the country - including local residents) into this amazing space for a memorable event experience.

Thank you for your consideration.

Nick Bonich
Director, The Department

I strongly Object & Oppose this latest proposal from PANSW.

1.2 Purpose of Modification is to allow Functions involving 2,500 patrons at any one time to be held at WBCT on non cruise ship days.
This means our Community will have further reduced amenity; with no reprieve from our already highly disruptive and impactful environment in relation to our exposure to noise and pollution in close proximity.

2. Existing Function Activities.I refer to the comment about police not being called out.
That is not accurate. I personally have called the Police on numerous occasions in relation to noise, in desperation. The Police will not attend the site. They do not regard the Port as their responsibility. Police have attended a vessel in White Bay as a young woman fell from a boat and as I recall, was found dead.

The OEMP & OENP established to protect our Environment and Community have never been implemented. It appears Port's employees have not even read the document.
Ports Authority's rhetoric rarely aligns with the realities of what actually occurs in White Bay.
Ports generates misinformation/ propaganda routinely.
The various sections of the proposed Modifications information confirm this misinformation.
The details outlined by Ports are not accurate.
I consider it mostly a myth, fictional.
No we do not need the additional noise of uncontrolled screaming on amusement rides. We have endured those events previously.
Or more pollution from increased traffic. Increased cars and buses parking and leaving in the early hours of the morning disrupting our sleep; causing sleep deprivation.
Regardless of the statements Ports provide the mitigation processes do not actually occur.

2.2 I refer to this section Hours of Operation.
"Current Hours".
It is not accurate. It's a good example of the information shared by Ports being misleading.
This section is inadequate and doesn't take into account that a population lives on the other side of the White Bay perimeter fence.
We constantly have issues with operations at the White Bay Cruise Ship Terminal which are not managed & our complaints are not addressed, rather neglected by Ports Authority.
The site is an unmonitored, cruise ship terminal (and not an amusement park).

There is no surveillance of the site.
Anything goes in White Bay. We know, as we have observed and lived with the disruptive activities, excessive noise in breach & have been disturbed routinely with every cruise ship arrival since 15 April, 2013.
I.e., almost 7 years now with no satisfactory outcomes achieved.

The cruise ships are still in breach of noise limits with every arrival before 7 am. Mostly arriving before 6.30 am and sometimes earlier.
Increasing noise limits when noise has been a critical issue since operations commenced is unreasonable and thoughtless.
The cruise ships often depart late which is never captured on Ports website.

3. Consultation with Balmain Residents has not occurred. The elected representatives on CLG do not share information with Residents.
The CLG was re-established to bypass, neglect and dismiss Balmain residents voice.
PANSW actively disengaged with Balmain Residents at the end of 2015.
Contacting & Communications with Ports is very difficult. Particularly, after hours or during the holidays periods when problems occur at White Bay. No one is available to effect change.

Note how the Contact number in the Modifications_6 document are not completed.
Notification to Residents have not occurred since Dec. 2015.

This section "noise impacts, traffic transport, larger functions, cumulative impacts, raising noise levels" completely under estimates the realities.
The Community is already experiencing difficulty in making noise complaints. There is a concern this will become a far greater problem with large functions run by third parties.

4. 1.2 No PEACE for Residents.

5. Conditions of Approval
Misleading. Controls not adhered to.
Inaccurate. Site not managed.
Outdoor activities after 12.40 am! And no doubt beyond...
Notifications do not occur now.

Page 11 Complaints response procedure is a Myth. The Blue & White document has never been implemented adequately.
I refer to the missing digits in Contact Numbers. A good example of Ports aiming to avoid Complaints.
The Process has failed. Any Community Complaints are denied and/ or dismissed.
Ports aim is avoid complaints.
Staff unavailable after hours, when significant issues arise.

2.5 Glebe Island example of no issues is inaccurate, misleading. There were issues & Complaints about Glebe Island Temporary Convention Center. It had no power supply for a very long time. There was a significant noise issue for a very long time. Repetitive, which continued throughout the night. I understand it was a generator or some kind of equipment to provide power. Eventually, an announcement was made that a power cable would be finally provided and the intrusive, irritating noise eventually ended.

I have further notes. However, have run out of time. Ports do not assist or communicate with our Community to resolve the issues at White Bay. Port's commentary is just that, limited, inaccurate and does not invite confidence or reassure me that the Modifications-6 Proposals will be beneficial for our Community.
PANSW words, process charts and proposals do not match their actions or the outcomes sought by Resident, unfortunately.

The realities that occur are significantly different to what Port's Authority actually communicate.
Residents' needs and amenity are irrelevant to them.
Port's appear to have deliberately distanced themselves from our Community, a long time ago. (Dec. 2015)

The impacts and affects on our population of the Modifications_6 Proposal will be substantial.
I had no confidence in the evaluations of how the proposed Modifications outlined will be implemented or managed.
Ports are unresponsive to our concerns and issues in White Bay.
Increasing noise limits is ridiculous when that has been the critical issue for far too long.
1 5 April, 2013.


Please do not publish my name.

It is an honest account of our Community's experience in relation to how Port's Operate..

Submission attached.