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Event Application Process
You may need to apply for event approval depending on the size and nature of the event you wish to stage.
- Private events do not require event approval.
- Small, large, and major events all require event approval.
We recommend that you apply for your event approval as soon as possible and/or no later than 6 weeks before the event. The time it takes to process and approve your Event Application will depend on the complexity of the event and your ability to submit the required information.
Hire Fees and Charges - effective 22 July 2025
Type | Hire Fee - inc. GST | Bond | Grass Remediation Levy | Services Mark Up | Beach Upkeep Fee/ Major Event Levy |
Small Recreational Events (40 - 200 core participants) | $300 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Medium Events (200 - 1000 core participants) | $725 | Subject to event | Subject to event | Subject to event | NA |
Large Events (1000 - 3000 core participants) | Subject to event | Subject to event | Subject to event | Subject to event | NA |
Major Events (3000+ core participants) | Subject to event | Subject to event | Subject to event | Subject to event | Subject to event |
Beach Concert | Subject to event | Subject to event | Subject to event | Subject to event | Subject to event |
Promotional Activities (up to 4 hours) | $835 | Subject to event | Subject to event | NA | NA |
Promotional Activities (full day) | $2,000 | Subject to event | Subject to event | NA | NA |
Hire of Jetty (full day/ pro rata) | $2,000 | Subject to event | NA | NA | NA |
Low Impact Filming Permit | $300 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Medium Impact Filming Permit | Subject to event | Subject to event | Subject to Event | NA | NA |
High Impact Filming Permit | Subject to event | Subject to event | Subject to event | NA | NA |
Please note:
- The City of Holdfast Bay may offer a 50% reduction of the total event fees if the organisation can demonstrate that it is a not-for-profit/charity, accompanied by supporting documentation, such as evidence from the tax office, an accountant, or other relevant documentation. You will be required to upload this documentation as part of your online event application.
- Hire and bond fees may change and vary depending on event requirements.
Supporting Documentation
The event application will require you to submit the following documents:
- a completed event application
- a copy of your Public Liability Insurance (for a minimum value of $20,000,000)
- a risk management plan
- a site map
Large and major events will also be required to submit:
- a program/schedule of the event
- an Operations Manual
- a Businesses and Residents Notification Letter
- WHS documentation
If applicable, you may be asked to provide the following documents:
- Liquor Licence details
- Traffic Management Plan
- Certificate of Compliance for any electrical requirements in accordance with AS/NZS 3002
- Any additional relevant documentation as Council sees fit
Once the application and relevant documentation have been submitted, our Events Team will contact you to discuss the details of your event.
Event Approval
The submission of an application does not imply the event is confirmed.
It is a registration of interest only. This includes events that have previously occurred, as well as those that are annually recurring. Your event is approved when you have been granted a permit pursuant to section 200 of the Local Government Act 1999 to hold your event.
Once your approval has been granted, it provides the Applicant/Event Organiser exclusive use of the area, protecting the Applicant/Event Organiser against potential booking conflicts.
Individuals or groups deemed to present a nuisance or an obstruction to your event may be removed from the area. If you require assistance during the event for parking issues, access issues, or disruption to your event from other reserve users, please call a community safety officer at (08) 8229 9999 (this call may be actioned by an after-hours answering service).
The Event Approval is non-transferable and is only valid for the specified date and time.
Event Application Form
Conditions of Hire
- Hire, Bond Fees and Grass Remediation Levy may change without notice.
- Fees may vary depending on event requirements.
- Bonds are charged to cover any damage or loss. A notice specifying the cost required for repair or replacement or the penalty for breaching the noise management procedure will be issued.
- The Grass Remediation Levy ensures the optimal presentation of public parkland and reserves at all times. It serves as both a proactive and restorative measure and is specific to each event.
- If the venue is returned in the same condition it was supplied, the bond will be returned within 4 weeks of the event completion date.
- Bonds may be held, and additional charges may be incurred if significant damage has occurred throughout the event.
- The applicant is responsible and accountable for any additional fees incurred, and invoices MUST be paid in accordance with our terms.
Event Permit Cancellation and Refusal
Event application assessments are guided by the Council's Events Strategy. Council has the right to refuse the hire of any Council reserve or foreshore area at its discretion.
Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to:
- Inadequate information or lead time to assess an application.
- Undesirable impacts on and/or inconvenience to the public, residents, and businesses.
- Concerns from the Council’s Event Management Team that the Applicant/Event Organiser does not have the resources and necessary experience to manage the activity suitably.
- Unpredictable and/or controversial aspects of a proposed event or conflicts with other events already approved for the area.
- Inability to provide required supporting documents
- Submission of an application to hold an event inconsistent with Council's values and objectives.
- Failure to submit the required supporting documentation by the deadlines and pay all fees will cancel your approval.
Council will not accept any liability for loss, damage, or financial consequences resulting from the event application being cancelled or revoked.