Selling goods on public land and roads

Selling goods on public land and roads requires approval. Goods can include those sold from:

  • mobile food vans
  • flower stalls
  • seafood vendors.

Find out more about selling services on public land and roads, including personal training, boot camps, yoga, regional tours, dog training and hiring goods such as paddleboards.

Council regulates these activities to ensure they are carried out safely while taking other public space users and residents into consideration, and to maintain the purpose and amenity of our public spaces.

You need to apply with all supporting documentation at least 30 business days before you want to commence trading. Once all supporting documents have been provided, your application will be reviewed and assessed under the Commercial Use of Public Land and Roads Local Law 2023.

Council is trialling the Moreton Bay Pop Ups program. The program encourages businesses to pop up in pre-approved, specific areas throughout Moreton Bay. Find out if your business can operate as part of the Moreton Bay Pop Ups Program.

If you are not able to operate under the Moreton Bay Pop Ups Program, continue with this application.

How to apply

Step 1.`Complete a risk management plan

Complete the Risk management plan template(DOCX, 927KB).

Step 2.Prepare a site plan

Prepare a detailed diagram of your stall set-up and plans of the areas where your business site will be established using the trading on public land and roads site plan template(DOCX, 946KB).

Step 3.Take out public liability insurance

Evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 in the same name as the applicant should be provided with your application.

Ensure the location listed on your policy includes public land, for example, anywhere in Australia or Worldwide. This must be outlined either on your certificate of currency or the terms and conditions of your policy and provided to Council. If this is not listed, obtain written confirmation from your insurer.

Step 4.Collect supporting documents

You may need to provide other documents and licences, depending on your business. If applicable, provide:

  • a copy of the vehicle registration details and photos of the vehicle
  • a copy of the food licence required under the Food Act 2006
  • a copy of the menu for any food and drinks for sale
  • a detailed list of goods for sale
  • details of the materials and equipment used to construct any stands or stalls. Include the dimensions of the area where the stall or stand will operate
  • any other relevant government licences, registrations or approvals, such as a blue card or Marine park permit.

Step 5.Review conditions 

Make sure you review and understand the Commercial use of public land and roads conditions(PDF, 387KB). Specific conditions may be added after your application has been assessed.

Step 6.Review fees and charges

An application fee is payable at the time of submission per Council’s fees and charges. Council will contact you for payment.

The first column is the type of fee, the second column advises the fee amount, and the third column explains the fee's purpose.

Fee type  Amount Details
Application fee  201206 This is a one-time fee paid when submitting your application.  
Commercial use of public land annual charge for selling goods  201197 Charged pro rata from the approval date to 30 September. Then annually, each September, for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Renewal fee  201209 Charged annually in September to renew an approval for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Amendment application fee  201207 Payable when an application to change an existing approval is submitted. There is no fee for minor changes, for example, trading name or contact details.
Transfer application fee  201208 Payable when an application to transfer an existing approval to another person or business is submitted. Note: Not all approvals are eligible for transfer. Check the approval conditions before applying.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees with evidence of eligibility.

Step 7.Submit an application form

Download and complete the Commercial use of public land and roads application form(PDF, 940KB) and submit it along with your supporting documents:

The applicant for an approval must be a legal entity, such as an individual, company, incorporated body, unincorporated body, partnership, body corporate or trustee.

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