Events on public land and roads

If you would like to host an event (other than a small gathering) in a public space, you will need to go through either an event registration or event local law approval application process. 

You will not need approval for a small gathering if your event:

  • is not for commercial purposes
  • has no more than 50 attendees
  • uses permitted structures (up to 2 marquees where each marquee does not exceed 3 metres by 6 metres in size)
  • has no amusement rides or devices
  • does not require vehicle access to public land, other than public car parks
  • is not a wedding (for more information refer to wedding ceremonies)
  • a market
  • does not involve the sale or supply of liquor
  • does not require access to Council’s electricity or water supply.

All other events require approval, unless they are private events on private land or public events on private land that constitute development. If your event is on private land and you have invited the general public to attend refer to Events on private land for more information.

Find out your event's risk level

Use the event screening tool to determine if your event is rated low, medium, or high risk. Once you know your event's risk level you can follow the relevant process. 

Low risk event registration process

If you have received a low risk rating in the event screening tool, you will be required to go through the streamlined event registration process.

You will need to submit your event registration and provide evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 at least 30 business days before your event.

Once the required documents have been provided, a booking will be made and you will be sent a confirmation letter with conditions for you to comply with.

If the requested date is unavailable, Council will contact you to discuss further. 

Medium risk event registration process

If you have received a medium risk rating, Council will review your event and contact you within five business days to advise if you need to follow the low risk event registration or high risk event approval process. 

High risk event approval process

If you have received a high risk rating in the event screening tool, you will be required to go through the event local law approval process.

You need to submit your application and all supporting documentation at least 30 business days before your event.

Once all supporting documents have been provided, your application will be reviewed and assessed under the Events Local Law 2023.

Is your high risk event low or high impact?

Your event will be classified as low impact or high impact. There are different fees depending on whether your event will be low impact or high impact.

Your event is classified as a low impact event if it will have:

  • less than 500 people
  • no amusement devices, such as a ferris wheel
  • no traffic management or parking restrictions
  • no fireworks.

Events are classified as high impact if it has over 500 people or requires traffic management or parking restrictions. Events with amusement devices or fireworks are also high impact. 

How to apply

Prior to completing an application, you must complete the Event screening tool to determine if your event is rated low risk, medium risk or high risk.

Select the applicable risk level for your event and follow the steps to apply:

High risk - event approval

If you have received a high risk rating in the event screening tool, you will be required to go through the event local law approval process.

Step 1.Choose a location

Choose from our most popular locations. Many of these include site maps which you can use to prepare your site plan.

If you choose a different location, we recommend using an aerial photograph of your event site (available through Google Maps) to prepare your site plan.

Step 2.Prepare a site plan

Your site plan should address all aspects of your event, including:

  • location, parking and toilet facilities, including toilets with disability access
  • location and type of any lighting or structures, for example marquees, tables, fencing
  • location and size of generators and electrical cables
  • any licensed areas.

See a Site plan template(DOCX, 53KB).

Step 3.Complete a risk management plan

Check if your event is low or high impact and then use one of the following templates to create your risk management plan:

Step 4.Take out public liability insurance

Evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 should be provided with your application. The insurance policy must be in the same name as the applicant. Any other party or provider associated with your activity should also have public liability cover and provide evidence of this cover to the organiser.

Step 5.Collect supporting documents

Depending on your event or activity, you may also need to provide:

  • details of all third-party operators, such as traffic management, waste, security, amusement operators, fireworks
  • a copy of your liquor licence
  • a copy of your food licence details
  • a copy of your noise management plan
  • a traffic management plan
  • a copy of your Notice to residents(DOCX, 17KB) and map of where the letter box drop will take place (if traffic management or parking restrictions will be in place).

Step 6.Review conditions

Review and understand the Events and filming conditions(PDF, 488KB). Specific conditions may be added after your application has been assessed.

Step 7.Review fees and charges

In accordance with Council's fees and charges, the costs are:

  • low impact events - a non refundable application fee of T1206
  • high impact events - a non-refundable application fee of T995

This fee is payable at the time of application. Council will contact you for payment. 

Other fees are payable closer to your event date. These are:

  • a daily charge of T1193 for commercial use of council-controlled land
  • a bond of T1213 or T1192 may be required. The bond will be determined by Council based on the impact to Council land.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees if evidence is provided.

Step 8.Complete an application form

Download the Events and Film application(PDF, 828KB), complete the event high risk section and submit along with your supporting documents:

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

Medium risk - review by Council

If you have received a medium risk rating, Council will review your event and contact you within five business days to advise if you need register as a lower risk event or if you will need to follow the event local law approval application process for a higher risk event.

 

Low risk - event registration

If you have received a low risk rating in the event screening tool, you will be required to go through the streamlined event registration process.

Step 1.Take out public liability insurance

Evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 should be provided with your application. The insurance policy must be in the same name as the applicant. Any other party or provider associated with your activity should also have public liability cover and provide evidence of this cover to the organiser. 

Step 2.Review conditions

Please review and understand the Low risk events conditions(PDF, 381KB).

Step 3.Review fees and charges

In accordance with Council's fees and charges, an application fee of T1212 is payable at the time of application. Council will contact you for payment. 

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees if evidence is provided.

Step 4.Complete an application

Download the Events and Film application(PDF, 828KB), complete the event registration section and submit:

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

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