Events in public spaces

If you are planning an event in a public space, you should check if your event needs approval from Council.

Events can be split into three different categories:

1. Small gatherings that do not need approval.
2. Low-risk events that need registration with Council.
3. High-risk events that need Council approval. 

High-risk events are assessed depending on the risk and impact of the event. Risk is associated with people and impact is associated with the impact the event has on a public space.

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

Small gatherings

A small gathering means a gathering that is not for a commercial purpose and - 

• has no more than 50 people in attendance at any given time; and
• has no amusement rides or devices; and
• does not need vehicle access to public land, other than public car parks; and
• is not a wedding. For more information, refer to wedding ceremonies; and
• is not a market; and
• does not involve the sale or supply of liquor; and
• does not need access to Council’s electricity or water supply; and
• is not on a sports field; and
• is not within 20m of a roundabout, cross intersection, school zone, level crossing, T-intersection, pedestrian crossing, official traffic sign and bus stop; and
• uses permitted structures only:
  • up to 2 marquees, where each marquee does not exceed 3 metres by 6 metres in size
  • is weighted according to the manufacturer’s instructions
  • is not pegged or staked into the ground.

Low-risk event registration

Low-risk events need registration with Council. This involves completing an application form and providing evidence of public liability insurance.

These events have between 51 and 200 attendees and must meet the following criteria:

• alcohol will not be sold or supplied at the event
• no jumping castles or amusement devices such as show rides will be at the event
• no animals, plant matter or soil will be on site as part of the event
• Council keys are not required for vehicle, power and or water access
• the event is not on private land
• no fireworks at the event
• no food vendors at the event
• the event is not held on a beach or a water source such as a river or lake, jetty, marine area or boat ramp
• the event is not on a sports field
• no traffic management required
• extra bins or wastes services are not required
• permitted structures such as pop-up tents, marquees, or staging:
  • no more than 2 permitted structures that exceed 3 metres by 6 metres in size
  • marquees must be weighted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and may not be pegged or staked into the ground.

Register your low-risk event

High-risk event approval

A high-risk event requires an Events Local Law Application. These events have more than 200 attendees and one or more of the following:

• alcohol sold or supplied at the event
• jumping castles or amusement devices such as show rides will be at the event
• animals, plant matter or soil will be on site as part of the event
• Council keys are required for vehicle, power and or water access
• the event is on private land
• fireworks will be part of the event
• food vendors will be part of the event
• the event is held on a beach or a water source such as a river or lake, jetty, marine area or boat ramp
• the event is on a sports field
• there will be traffic management
• event needs extra waste bins or waste services at a cost to the event organiser
• permitted structures such as pop-up tents, marquees, or staging:
  • more than 2 permitted structures that exceed 3 metres by 6 metres in size
  • marquees must be weighted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and may not be pegged or staked into the ground. 

Apply for approval for your high-risk event