The independent assessment report prepared for the council by consultants recommended approving the application for a waterfront venue called The Joey, with 132 supportive submissions and only seven opposing. One key issue to address is the potential sound travel over Pittwater and down the beach toward residential properties, as some residents have expressed concerns about loud functions at the venue. The owner, May, assured that the venue would host a maximum of two functions a week to be viable and successful.
Despite some concerns raised during consultation, May shared that a meeting with the premier was positive and that there was little he could do to change the situation. The Joey’s application to extend hours to trade at night was rejected, leading to criticism from Pittwater’s Liberal MP Rory Amon for meeting The Joey’s owners while refusing to meet about the government’s deferral of a planned road upgrade. Mayor Sue Heins confirmed a review was in progress to address the concerns and hopes to find a resolution that pleases both the business and residents, acknowledging that there are two sides to every story.
The northern beaches region is known for protecting its environment, with Heins highlighting the unique urban night sky area that is also a proposed stargazing park at Palm Beach. He expressed hope for a positive outcome where at least half the people involved are happy and dreamt of everyone being satisfied. The public interest in the story surprised Heins, and she found it incredible that The Joey’s owners were able to secure a meeting with Minns, speculating that there must not have been much other news at the time. An online petition to extend the restaurant’s trading hours had garnered nearly 900 signatures by Monday evening.
Overall, the report recommends approving The Joey’s application, with a focus on addressing sound travel concerns and the frequency of functions held at the waterfront venue. The rejection of extending trading hours at night has sparked criticism from local politicians, with conflicting priorities highlighted. Mayor Heins hopes for a resolution that satisfies both business interests and resident concerns, emphasizing the unique environmental characteristics of the northern beaches region. The unexpected public interest in the story and the meeting with the premier have added complexity to the situation, with ongoing discussions and reviews expected to lead to a resolution that ensures the happiness of all parties involved.
