Events on public land and roads

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

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

You will need to apply or register, if your event:

  • is for commercial purposes
  • has more than 50 attendees
  • will use more than 2 permitted structures, where each marquee does not exceed 3 metres by 6 metres in size (marquees must be weighted to manufacturer’s instructions and may not be pegged or staked into the ground)
  • will have amusement rides or devices for example inflatable jumping castle
  • requires vehicle access to public land, other than public car parks
  • is for a wedding - for more information refer to wedding ceremonies
  • is a market
  • involves the sale or supply of liquor
  • requires access to Council’s electricity or water supply
  • your activity is being held on a sports field.

All other events are classed as a small gathering and do not require approval.

If your event is on private land and you have invited the general public to attend refer to Events on private land.

Event Screening Tool

Council has developed an Event Screening Tool to determine the risk associated with your activity. The risk associated with your event will determine the appropriate application and assessment process to be undertaken.

The Event Screening assessment questions can be found at the beginning of your Event Application.

Event organisers can view other helpful information in theLocal Law Guideline: Event Screening Framework(PDF, 555KB).

Low Risk Events

Low risk events have no high-risk activities for example fireworks, amusement devices, traffic management, food vendors, power/water/vehicle access. They have little to no temporary structures or additional requirements and have minimal impact on the community and residents.

If you answer 'NO' to all the questions in the Event Screening Tool your event is considered a low-risk event. An Event Registration will be required.

High Risk Events

High risk events involve higher risk activities for example fireworks, amusement devices, traffic management, food vendors, power/water/vehicle access. They have significant infrastructure or additional requirements, a higher impact on the community and residents and will need to undergo a more comprehensive assessment process.

If you answer 'YES' to one or more questions in the Event Screening Tool your event is considered a high-risk event. A full Event Application is required.

A high-risk event is then assessed further to determine the level of impact the event will have on public land and roads and the appropriate fee will be applied.

An event is classified as high impact if it includes:

  • more than 500 people
  • amusement devices for example inflatable jumping castle
  • traffic management or parking restrictions
  • fireworks  

How to apply

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.Complete an application form to determine risk of event

Download the Events Local Law Application form(PDF, 561KB) and complete section 6 to determine if the risk rating for the event is:

  • Low Risk – Event Registration Application Process: complete sections 1-6 and 13-17 of the Events Local Law Application 
  • High Risk – Event Approval Application Process: complete sections 1 – 17 of the Events Local Law Application.

Complete and submit the Event Local Law approval form, along with your supporting documentation:

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

Step 3.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.

A site plan is only applicable to the Event Approval Application Process (not the Event Registration Process).

Refer to the site plan template(DOCX, 112KB).

Step 4.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:

Risk management plans are not required to be submitted for applicants going through the Event Registration Process.

Step 5.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.

Any other party or provider associated with your activity should also have public liability insurance and provide evidence of this cover to the organiser.

Step 6.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(PDF, 54KB) and map of where the letter box drop will take place (if traffic management or parking restrictions will be in place).

Supporting documents are not required to be submitted for applicants going through the Event Registration Process.

Step 7.Review conditions

Review and understand the conditions relevant to the event:

Specific conditions may be added after your application has been assessed.

Step 8.Review fees and charges

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

Low risk event

A non-refundable application fee of $157.00 is payable at the time of application.  Council will contact you for payment, no further fees are applicable.

High risk event

  • Low impact - a non-refundable application fee of $326.00
  • High impact - a non-refundable application fee of $984.00

The low or high impact 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 $482.00 for commercial use of public land
  • a bond of $1,166.00 or $5,826.00 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. 

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