Government House raises noise complaints over events in Botanic Garden, Harbour

Multiple complaints from representatives of Government House have forced family events near the Botanic Gardens to reduce noise — and have raised the ire of government officials.

Multiple complaints from Sydney’s most exclusive taxpayer-funded mansion have forced family events near the Botanic Gardens to reduce noise and have raised the ire of government officials.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal representatives of Government House complained about noise in the Botanic Gardens as early as 2019, shortly after Governor Margaret Beazley assumed office.

A spokesman for The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust told The Telegraph that concerns were raised in “introductory meetings” with Government House in 2019.

“Concerns were raised about recent events such as Vivid, weddings, and noise that appeared to be coming from Busby’s Bar across Farm Cove (however, upon further investigation this appeared to be from functions held on boats on the Harbour, rather than a venue in the Garden),” the spokesman said in a statement.

Ms Beazley took office in May 2019 and moved into the stately Gothic Revival home with her husband, barrister Dennis Wilson.

Governor Margaret Beazley and her husband Dennis Wilson; and (right) Government House, which adjoins Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens.

Mr Wilson has denied any wrongdoing when asked about the complaints.

“Insofar as you refer to allegations about me, I deny any inappropriate conduct,” he said in a statement to The Daily Telegraph. “The allegations are simply inaccurate or are otherwise incapable of any detailed response,” he said.

Organisers of major events, including a charity fun run, were even forced to reduce noise levels after specific requests from Government House months after Ms Beazley took office.

As recently as last month, organisers of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Final were told to change the timing of sound checks leading up to the event after noise interrupted Queen’s Birthday Investiture Ceremonies at Government House.

A Government House spokesman told The Telegraph that after “unexpected, intrusive disruptions” to ceremonies on October 13, the Official Secretary asked for timing of sound tests to be “co-ordinated” to “maintain the desired dignity of the ceremonies in the State Rooms which face the (Royal Botanic) Gardens”.

That complaint was one of at least three instances in which Government House complained about noise, according to The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust (RGBDT).

The Light the City family cycling event. Picture: SydneyCycleways

In June 2019, a Government House representative complained about the noise from a charity fun run.

“Whilst the sound was found to be inaudible from that location, the event organiser reduced the audio as a precaution,” a RGBDT spokesman said.

Three months later, Botanic Garden rangers were contacted on behalf of Government House about noise from a family cycling event.

“The event organiser reduced the audio as a precaution,” the RGBDT spokesman said.

A senior government source told The Telegraph the three instances outlined by the Gardens were among “regular” noise complaints from Government House.

“No-one can live there, even if they pay a lot of money for it, and (there are complaints) about events that are put on for the public, it’s a bit rich,” the source said of the noise complaints.

A separate source familiar with events in the Domain said noise complaints began as soon as the current Governor took office.

Event organisers have had to do “a lot of extra work around planning and operations” to accommodate the complaints, the source said.

“I don’t think it aligns with the spirit of what the governor is there for and what their role is in being a governor for the people.”

The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series last month. Picture: Getty Images

The noise complaints have angered festival organisers worried that major events in the Domain could be impacted this summer.

“You would think that the King’s representative would be happy that citizens and families can finally come together and enjoy events in The Domain again, rather than complain about them,” Australian Festivals Association Managing Director Mitch Wilson said.

Government House had been home to 27 governors from 1846 until 1996, when former Premier Bob Carr did away with governors living in the residence.

His successor Barry O’Farrell reinstated Government House as the official residence for governor Dame Marie Bashir in 2011.

Government House boasts a garden area of five acres and adjoins the Botanic Gardens.

There are 12 rooms on the ground floor, with 13 bedrooms on the first floor.

In 2020, two new rugs were purchased for the home, costing taxpayers $162,000.

Thicker laminated glass has recently been installed on some of the Government House windows, which a spokesman said followed “security recommendations from NSW Police given prior to Governor Beazley’s term.”

Other works on the property since 2019 have included upgraded pathways, installing an accessible toilet, relaying asphalt on roadways, rebuilding a collapsed wall, an electrical distribution board upgrade and the replacement of airconditioning towers.

A spokesman for government house said the Governor and Mr Wilson were patrons of 220 organisations, and regularly hosted charitable and community events, and worked with the Gardens “for the mutual benefit and success of activities and events.”

Got a news tip? Email jameso’[e-mail]