Fillmores legal advice

Published on 02 May 2023

guitar live music generic fillmores

Kiama Council understands our community’s strong support and passion for local arts and culture.

Council shares that enthusiasm and remains a strong supporter of the arts in all forms.

We assure our community, especially those who enjoy local live music, that we are working to find a solution for Fillmores and all relevant parties.

Council is mindful that it has to manage the planning and the compliance requirements for all residents and businesses in our municipality.

This is why Council is working with our lawyers to clarify the legalities of Fillmores providing live music.

We have provided a legal ‘scope’ to our lawyers, the operators of Fillmores and residents concerned about the noise and other impacts.

We are also providing Fillmores with advice regarding costs and requirements for lodging a development application, which remains our preferred option.

A site visit to better understand the challenges and possible solutions has been arranged as well.

Director Planning, Environment and Communities Jessica Rippon said Fillmores was able to continue operating while all this was being done.

“This takes time, but it’s important to get this right, given the implications this has for Fillmores, their patrons and those living nearby.”

Ms Rippon said Council was still receiving complaints about patron behaviour, noise and amenity impacts from the Fillmores operations.

“While we’re dealing with the legal advice, we’re also working with neighbours, the operators and police licensing about these complaints.”

“I want to stress we need to clarify the legal situation before taking the next step and I want to thank those involved for their patience so far.”

Council, Fillmores and their neighbours agreed to a number of actions to resolve the dispute at a meeting in March.

Further information:

Fillmores meeting outcomes – 6 March

Fillmores and Jazz and Blues Festival – 1 March

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