Planning Approvals
For the Sydney Opera House, the following statutory framework applies where external approval is required. This framework ensures that any proposal which may have a potential impact on the State, National or World Heritage values of the place is rigorously assessed before any approval is granted. The relevant legislation includes:
- Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (EP&A Act)
- Heritage Act 1977 (NSW)
- Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conversation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act)
Development at the Sydney Opera House is classified as State Significant Development, and requires approval under the EP&A Act, unless the proposed development is otherwise exempt. The Sydney Opera House has a limited number of exempt development categories.
The Opera House received State Heritage listing in 2003 under the Heritage Act. A set of heritage exemptions were granted under this Act for certain minor works and outdoor events. Works and activities not covered by these exemptions must be submitted for separate approval (Section 60) under the Act by the Heritage Council of New South Wales prior to being undertaken. This is in addition to any other approvals required in relation to the action.
Australia is a signatory to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (the Convention) in relation to World Heritage-listed sites, including the Opera House. The relevant Commonwealth environment agency represents the Australian Government in all matters relating to the Convention. It liaises with the World Heritage Centre (which acts as Secretariat to the World Heritage Committee) to ensure Australia fulfils its obligations. Obligations arising from this listing include periodic reporting. Refer to Section 4.20.10 World Heritage Listing.
The EPBC Act is the legislative mechanism underpinning this framework. The Opera House is a matter of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act by virtue of its status as a World Heritage property and National Heritage place (Part 3). As such, a proposed action that potentially will have a ‘significant impact’ on the Opera House requires referral and may require assessment under the EPBC Act. (Respecting the Vision: Sydney Opera House – a Conservation Management Plan, Fourth Edition, 2017).
The Joan Sutherland Theatre SAVE, Entry and Foyers and Function Centre projects received EPBC approval (EPBC 2016/7825) on 20 June 2017. In accordance with this approval, the Sydney Opera House prepares annual compliance reports which are available on this page.
The Concert Hall and Creative Learning Centre projects received EPBC approval (EPBC 2017/7955) on 21 January 2020. In accordance with this approval, the Sydney Opera House prepares annual compliance reports which are available below.
EPBC Approval 2017/7955 Final Completion Report
2023 EPBC 2016/7825 Annual Report
2022 EPBC 2016/7825 Annual Report
2022 EPBC 2017/7955 Annual Report
2021 EPBC 2016/7825 Annual Report
Opera House Concert Hall Renewal
Documentation
Construction Compliance Report 5
Revised Response to Submissions
Supplementary Revised Response to Submissions
NSW Heritage Act Section 60 Approval
Crown Certificate: Creative Learning Centre
Crown Certificate: Concert Hall
Pre-Construction Compliance Report
Independent Environmental Audit Program
Western Renewal Project Complaints Log
Noise Monitoring Report Western Renewal
Construction Compliance Report 1
Independent Environmental Audit
Unattended Construction Noise Monitoring September 2020
Attended Construction Noise Measurements October 2020
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 23 November 2020
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 27 November 2020
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 30 November 2020
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 4 December 2020
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 2 February 2021
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 17 February 2021
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 18 February 2021
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 3 March 2021
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 18 March 2021
Construction Compliance Report 2
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 12th May 2021
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 25th June 2021
Attended Construction Noise Measurements 2nd July 2021
Independent Audit 2 SOH Response
Construction Compliance Report 3
Construction Compliance Report 4
20220621 Response to IEA3 Findings
Lower Concourse Renewal
All documentation associated with the Opera House Lower Concourse renewal is available below.
Lower Concourse Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
20191029 KEYLAN - SOH Opera Bar & Restaurant EIS
Appendix 2 Quantity Surveyor Letter
Appendix 3 Architectural Design Statement
Appendix 3 Architectural Drawings
Appendix 4 Visual Impact Study
Appendix 5 HIS Lower Concourse
Appendix 7 Noise Impact Assessment
Appendix 8 Access & Building Code of Australia Statement
Appendix 9 Fire Engineering Design
Appendix 10a Lighting Design Statement
Appendix 10b Lighting Layouts and Details
Appendix 11 Odour and emissions assessment