Plan your own event

Pre-approved event sites

Council offers a number of event spaces that are pre-approved for a variety of events, without the need to apply for a Development Application (if within the approved capacity).

Other Public Land

There is other Public Land that may be appropriate for your event, please contact Council on 1300 176 077 to discuss your event plans. A Development Application may be required depending on your event. 

Visit our online booking platform for a full list of all our bookable venues and their attributes.

The process for approval to hold an event on a public road is complex, but Council's Road Safety Officer can assist applicants with all traffic related aspects in completing your application. If you think your event may require the partial or full closure of roads or have an effect on traffic within the City, it must be noted on your booking request. 

Events that require control of traffic will be considered by Council's Traffic Committee. This process requires a minimum of 12 weeks notice to allow for the meeting schedule of the Committee.

Please contact Council's Road Safety Officer on 1300 176 077.

Food

Many community events provide food either free of charge or offered for sale. 

It's important that Council ensures all food providers meet required regulations and licencing. Food outlets are required to comply with Council's guidelines for handling food at temporary events - see the NSW Food Authority's markets and temporary events webpage to learn more.

 Food Stalls must comply with NSW Food Act 2003, NSW Food Regulation, Food Safety Standards and the NSW Food Authority. Visit the NSW Food Authority's website for full details.

For more information, visit our food businesses page

Alcohol

If you intend to serve alcohol at your event you will need to apply for a Liquor Licence, you can investigate what types of licences are available, and apply for one via the Liquor and Gaming NSW website.

To request temporary removal of an alcohol-free zone area or alcohol prohibited area you will need to make the request to Council, in writing at least three months prior to your event.

Anyone serving alcohol is required to have a current RSA. For more information, please visit the Service NSW website.

For events being held at Council venues, we require copies of all current Insurance Certificates of Currency.

If you are a not-for-profit or community organisation planning an event, click on the link below to find out what options are available.

Local Community Insurance Services

You are required to supply a Risk Management Plan that identifies all of the potential risks that may arise from your events and the steps identified to mitigate such risks. External risk are also required to be identified and noted.

Download our Risk Assessment template(PDF, 161KB)

Fireworks

If you're looking at hosting fireworks at your next event please ensure you have researched and understood the SafeWork NSW explosives and fireworks regulations. Events using fireworks will require a fireworks licence issued by SafeWork NSW and will need to comply with all the conditions set out in the licence.

Permission for fireworks is required from both the landowner and Council and a Development Application may be required.

Amusements

Please note if your event is on Council owned land you are required to clearly mark the location of your amusements on a site map and upload this with your booking request. You also need to provide a valid Public Liability Certificate of Currency for each operator, as well as Risk Assessments and Safe Work Method Statement for each amusement ride. 

Amusement operators are required to operate within the Australian Standards for Amusement Rides and Devices and provide a copy of their public liability insurance with a minimum $20,000,000 cover to Council before the event booking can be confirmed. The amusement operator must be registered with Safework and a copy of this registration needs to be provided.

Amusement rides can only be setup as part of an organised public event. Due to underground irrigation and other infrastructure, parks and reserves have limited sites available for items that are required to penetrate the ground. A site induction must be conducted prior to setup.

All amusement operators but complete the application form(PDF, 225KB) when operating at an event and provide any supporting documentation requested (ie inspections, log books, maintenance). This helps Council make sure everything is properly approved ahead of the event.