Organising an event?

The Moreton Bay Region has many outdoor venues where you can hold an event. If you are planning on holding an event on Council-owned land, you will need to submit an online application for approval. Council suggests reading the Organising an event on Council-controlled land Guide to ensure you are familiar with the necessary requirements.

Upon receipt of a completed application, it is circulated to various departments within Council so appropriate conditions can be applied considering local laws, traffic management, park bookings, waste requirements and other relevant matters.

Do I need to make an application?

An application to hold an event on Council controlled land is only required if any of the following criteria apply:

  • public attendance and/or ticketed event
  • event on sport field
  • food and/or drink stalls, liquor licence
  • petting zoo and/or animals*
  • electricity and/or generators
  • temporary fencing
  • fireworks
  • road and/or footpath closures
  • portable toilets
  • public address system and/or amplified music
  • amusements rides*
  • sound shell and/or stage

*Petting zoos, amusement rides and similar may require a permit and are only approved in Council parks for organised community events. Non-commercial amusement rides (e.g. store bought jumping castles) are not permitted. Council does not support the use of monster trucks on Council land.

Applications are not required for family or casual social gatherings in parks.

Applications are not required for showgrounds or the Caboolture Historical Village.

What do I need to provide with my application?

  • A site plan for your event.
  • Public liability insurance of not less than $20 million covering the dates of your event.
  • A risk management plan for the event, considering traffic management, waste management, emergency first aid, emergency evacuation, setting up and dismantling plans, dust suppression, security, post event rehabilitation, noise management and wet weather may be required. View the Community events - risk planning guide(PDF, 200KB) to assist with the preparation of this document.
  • Evidence of your non for profit association or charity status if applicable.

How to apply

Step 1.Accept the terms and conditions

Event organisers are required to read and accept the terms and conditions(PDF, 126KB) before applying. All events must be produced in accordance with these terms and conditions.

Step 2.Select a suitable location

  • Council parks - designated event areas. These are the most popular event sites. Site maps are available to download to assist you in preparing your site plan. There are many parks identified within the region that are suited to events, ranging from foreshores to parklands and bush settings
  • Council parks - not designated event areas. It is recommended that you use an aerial photograph of the event site (available through Google maps) to prepare your site plan.
  • Sporting fields - not designated event areas. It is recommended that you use an aerial photograph of the event site (available through Google maps) to prepare your site plan. Structures requiring staking or pegging are not permitted to be placed on sporting fields. If you are wanting to only make an enquiry regarding the use or availability of a sporting field Contact Council

Step 3.Prepare a site plan

A site plan must be provided at the time of application. The site plan should include all aspects relating to the event, including but not limited to:

  • Food stalls
  • Amusements/rides
  • Toilets and bins
  • Temporary structures
  • Vehicle access points
  • Parking areas
  • Lighting towers
  • Generators/electrical cables
  • Fenced off areas
  • Licensed areas
  • Entrances and exits
  • First aid points

Example site plan(PDF, 292KB).

Step 4.Apply to hold an event on Council-controlled land

Council requires a minimum of three months’ notice. Applications will be accepted  up to 12 months in advance.

Lodge application

Step 5.Approval must be granted before proceeding with event

Council assistance for events

Council has prepared a community event guide to assist community organisations when planning, running and promoting an event in the region. The guide highlights key considerations for event organisers. It also provides information and links to useful resources and support that may be available through your local Councillor.

Events held on non-council controlled land

Temporary events on private land may require a permit under Council's local law. Refer to Temporary events on private land.

Related information

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