Assessable event permit
This type of permit is for events that expect 1000 or more people over the duration, and involve any of the assessable risks which have the potential to impact the amenity of the local area.
You will need to apply for this event permit at least 6 weeks before your event, or earlier.
Use our online tool to check which type of permit you need
Require further assistance? Call the Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263)
Assessable risks
The following are the types of risks that will require an assessable event permit:
- an outdoor musical performance, if the sound pressure level is expected to exceed 95dBC when measured 15 metres from any speaker
- commences before 7am on any day (excluding bump-in times)
- finishes after 10pm on any day (excluding bump-out times)
- involves the service or consumption of alcohol
- involves road closures or traffic management
- the expected attendance is more than 5,000 people at any given time
- the expected attendance is more than 10,000 people over the duration of the event
- involve firearm or motorsport activities (note, this will require this type of permit, regardless of the number of expected attendees).
If your event does not have these risks, check if you are eligible for the self-assessment event permit.
Help with your application
Depending on your type of event, use the assessable events checklist (Word - 355kb) to find what specific information and documentation Council requires for your application.
You can contact the Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263) and speak to a Festival and Events Liaison Officer who can work with you to define your requirements, possible event spaces and application timeframes.
They’ll also serve as your primary contact for planning your event permit application and can help you navigate Council’s requirements.
Event permit fees
The application fee can be paid with a Mastercard or Visa. These fees do not attract GST. Assessable permits can be issued for up to 3 years.
| Application type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New assessable event application (less than 10,000 people attending over the duration of the event) | $1754.20 |
| New assessable event application (more than 10,000 people attending over the duration of the event) | $3635.10 |
| Amendment (alteration, or change to the event) | $358.10 |
| Renewal application | $1141.80 |
| Transfer application | $225.25 |
Concessions for up to 50% off fees
Council offers concessions of up to 50% fee reduction on event permit applications for eligible charitable, religious and not-for-profit organisations. These are:
- Charitable and religious organisations that are listed in the Qualifying Type 1 Religious or Charitable Organisations Register
- Not for profit organisations that provide or support welfare services or community services
- Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations established for sporting, educational, recreational, cultural or community purposes.
Concession requests can be made at the same time as applying for an event permit. If unsuccessful, an invoice will be issued for the remaining fees.
How to apply
Confirm your venue
If using Council parks, check the park bookings and consents, and book the venue. You will need your booking reference number before you apply for an event permit.
Check if you need an event permit
Use the online tool to determine if you need a permit for your event, and which type.
Prepare your documentation
You need the following documents to submit with your application, which can take time to prepare (you may find these templates useful):
- a detailed site plan drawn to scale
- emergency response and evacuation plan
- public liability certificate of currency (note if you are using a Council venue, you will need your insurance to indemnify Council).
You may also need to prepare the following:
- event risk assessment and management plan
- noise management plan
- traffic management plan.
Apply for event permit 6 weeks before your event (or earlier)
- You need to submit your application a minimum of 6 weeks (30 business days) before your planned event, to give Council sufficient time to review and assess.
- Apply online and pay the relevant application fee.
After you submit
- Have your documents and permit ready and available for inspection
- Keep a copy of your documentation to help with repeating this process, if you plan to renew or reapply for a permit in future.
After approval
Depending on your event type, Council will issue a permit which may have conditions covering:
- event management: duration and hours of operation, site plan, event management plan, public liability insurance, number of attendees
- safety: emergency response, evacuation, first aid and medical services
- traffic: traffic and crowd control, transport, parking and pedestrian management
- amenities: water supply, toilet facilities
- stakeholders: stakeholder notification
- environmental impact: environmental protection, noise, sustainability, waste and litter.