The West Australian Government has launched the state’s first Night-Time Economy Strategy, aimed at unlocking new opportunities after dark.
The Strategy provides a framework for all night-time activities, including hospitality, tourism, arts and culture and sport and recreation, operating between 6pm and 6am, enhancing the liveability and attractiveness of Western Australia’s cities, towns and regions.
Informed by consultation across government agencies, local governments, industry and community stakeholders, the strategy sets a shared direction for how after-dark activity is planned, supported and co-ordinated across Western Australia.
An action plan will be developed, setting out practical initiatives and priorities to 2029, including measures to create more connected, safe and inclusive night-time precincts, entertainment areas and destinations across the state.
The Strategy will aim to strengthen Western Australia’s position as a destination that embraces vibrant after-dark experiences, further supporting pubs, clubs, restaurants, entertainment venues and other local businesses, as well as tourism, jobs, culture and community wellbeing.
Premier and Tourism, Trade and Investment Minister Roger Cook (above) said: “The Night-Time Economy Strategy delivers on my government’s commitment to support tourism, hospitality, arts and culture, while creating opportunities for local businesses that create local jobs, and attracting more visitors to our cities and regions.
“By investing in vibrant places and experiences after dark, my government is building stronger communities, diversifying our economy and showcasing the best of Western Australia while supporting workers across many sectors.
“Western Australia’s night-time economy is a significant contributor to the State’s prosperity and social wellbeing, supporting more than 140,000 jobs and generating about $23 billion in annual turnover in 2024-25.”
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said: “Our creative industries and our live music scene are world-class, and the Night-Time Economy Strategy recognises that a thriving night-time economy supporting thousands of jobs, businesses and community experiences’ every night.
“A co-ordinated state-wide strategy focused on growing and strengthening our night-time economy will ensure Western Australians can benefit from safe, vibrant and inclusive after-dark activity.”
AHA (WA) welcomes strategy
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has welcomed the launch of Western Australia’s first Night-Time Economy Strategy, describing it as a major win for the state’s hospitality industry and an important step towards making WA more vibrant, attractive and competitive after dark.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods AM said: “This is a significant win for vibrancy in Western Australia and an important recognition of the role hospitality venues play in creating great cities, towns and communities.
“AHA(WA) has been working closely with the Government on how we can remove barriers, encourage greater activation and create the conditions for a stronger and more diverse night-time economy.
“For too long, discussions about the night-time economy have focused too narrowly on what happens late at night. This Strategy recognises that it is much bigger than that – it is our pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, live music venues, events, cultural attractions and entertainment precincts all working together to create places people want to visit and enjoy.
“A strong night-time economy is also a strong visitor economy. When people visit Western Australia, we want them to find plenty to see and do after the sun goes down, whether they are in Perth or travelling through our regions.
“The scale of the opportunity is significant, with WA’s night-time economy already supporting more than 140,000 jobs and generating around $23 billion in annual turnover.”
Woods said the focus must now turn to translating the Strategy into practical reforms that make it easier for businesses to contribute to vibrant precincts.
“The Strategy sets the direction; the next step is making sure the action plan delivers tangible outcomes on the ground,” he said.
“That means continuing to work across Government and with local governments to address unnecessary barriers to activation, support live entertainment, encourage investment and ensure regulation enables rather than inhibits responsible businesses.
“Western Australia has world-class hospitality venues, outstanding food and beverage, major events and an increasingly strong entertainment offering. We now have an opportunity to bring those strengths together and build a night-time economy that matches WA’s ambitions as a global tourism destination.”