Tamworth is set to become the first regional centre in NSW to trial Special Entertainment Precincts (SEPs), reinforcing its reputation as Australia’s Country Music Capital and a leading destination for live entertainment, events and nightlife.
The 12-month trial will begin on 24 August 2026, establishing two Special Entertainment Precincts in Tamworth – the Tamworth CBD and the Tamworth Sports and Entertainment Precinct.
Special Entertainment Precincts are designated areas where tailored trading hours and sound management arrangements support live performance, encourage business investment, reduce regulatory barriers and foster vibrant, safe and diverse night-time economies.
The trials follow extensive consultation with the community, local businesses and government agencies, as well as Council’s adoption of the planning proposal and supporting documents in June 2026.
“Tamworth is famous for its music and nightlife during the country music festival, this will help locals boost vibrancy all year round.” said NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham.
“Congratulations to the Tamworth Regional Council for leading the charge and becoming the first regional city to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct, we know others will soon follow suite.
“To see these precincts roll out in regional settings demonstrates how versatile this model is, where local councils decide where to boost entertainment and hospitality and we cut the red tape that allows them to do it.”
Tamworth Regional Council Team Leader – Strategic Planning Mitch Gillogly said Tamworth’s trial would help shape how Special Entertainment Precincts could work across regional Australia.
“Tamworth is uniquely positioned to lead this trial as the first regional city in NSW to trial a Special Entertainment Precinct.
“Unlike other precincts established to date, Tamworth’s trial includes two distinct entertainment areas, recognising both our vibrant CBD, which is synonymous with live music and the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and our Sports and Entertainment Precinct, which hosts major concerts, equine and sporting events.
“This trial will provide valuable insights into how Special Entertainment Precincts can support regional economies, encourage investment in live entertainment, and create vibrant, safe destinations while balancing the needs of local communities,” Gillogly said.
The trial also provides greater clarity for residents, businesses and visitors about how entertainment sound is managed. It establishes clear, measurable sound limits and development controls, providing greater certainty for venue operators and nearby residents.
Residents will continue to have avenues to raise concerns about entertainment noise, with clear processes in place through venue operators, Council and Liquor & Gaming NSW. The trial aims to encourage collaboration and the early resolution of issues while ensuring appropriate compliance and enforcement measures remain available when required.
Council will monitor outcomes and gather feedback from businesses, residents and visitors during the 12-month trial. The findings will help inform any future decision on making the precincts permanent.
Council is encouraging community members and local businesses to provide feedback throughout the trial via its Have Your Say page: https://haveyoursay.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/special-entertainment-precincts
The announcement follows Tamworth Regional Council being named a recipient of NSW Government Purple Flag Readiness Grant funding, which supports councils to develop internationally recognised, safe and vibrant night-time precincts.
The $80,000 grant, delivered by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, will help Tamworth explore future Purple Flag accreditation within the Special Entertainment Precinct trial areas and further strengthen the city’s night-time economy credentials.
Tamworth Regional Council also received $200,000 through the NSW Government’s Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Grant Program to help develop the trial SEPs.
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