Turning our roads into event spaces
Transform the street into part of your event experience. Six designated event roads can be fully closed, creating safe, flexible spaces for community festivals, charity fundraisers, cultural celebrations and commercial events.
Part of the NSW Government’s Permit/Plug/Play Program, this initiative makes it simpler to bring road-based events to life.
Locations
The following roads are approved for closure to support events:
- Hilltop Crescent, Fairlight
- Kalang Rd, Elanora Heights
- Orchard Rd, Brookvale
- Robertson Rd, Newport
- North and South Steyne, Manly - Section 1
- South Steyne, Manly - Section 2
- The Strand, Dee Why
A simple process
For most road closure events, organisers need to submit separate event and traffic applications, arrange a Traffic Management Plan, and source the required traffic management equipment.
For our six designated event roads, the process is much simpler, with a single application and a pre-approved Traffic Management Plan already in place.
You'll still need to engage an accredited traffic management provider to supply qualified traffic controllers for the event day.
What Council provides
If approved, Council will provide the following at no additional cost:
- Pre-approved Traffic Management Plan (maps, guidance scheme, road risk assessment)
- Road closure barricades (excluding traffic controllers)
- Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards and “No Parking” signage
- On-day road closure contact officer
What you need to do
Event organisers are responsible for:
- Engaging an accredited traffic provider (including traffic controllers)
- Event Safety and Management Plan
- Parking management
- Event infrastructure
- Waste management and cleaning
- Required permits, approvals, and public liability insurance
- Community notification
Applications must be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the event date – late applications will not be accepted. Events requiring changes to alcohol restrictions need additional processing time, and must be submitted at least 6 months before your event.
Fees
Fees may apply for the use of a designated event road and related services, including road closure hire, bonds and inspections, parking space closures (Manly Section 2 only), adjoining reserve hire, traffic management, OneMusic licence coverage, and waste services. The fees applicable to your event will depend on its location and specific requirements.
Please see our Estimating fee and charges for an event form, which will help you estimate the fees that may apply to your booking.
Before you apply
Have the following ready before submitting your application:
- An event site plan
- Your public liability insurance
- The public liability insurance of any third-party providers (e.g. traffic control, food vendors, amusement devices)
- An event risk assessment and safety management plan
- If applicable, liquor licence and alcohol safety management plan
- If applicable, a fireworks site plan clearly identifying exclusion zones
- Any other relevant documentation
While we strongly recommend providing all documentation with your application, additional information may be submitted later via email to OpenSpaceBookings@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au, quoting your application reference number. Failure to submit the required documentation at least 12 weeks prior to the event may result in cancellation of your application.
How to apply
Follow these steps to submit an enquiry for an event on a designated event road. Please find instructions here should you have any issues making a booking.
- Go to the online booking system. ("Browse Venues and Availability" button below)
- Search “event on road” for your preferred date.
- Select the desired event road and follow the application prompts.
- Complete the questionnaire and upload all relevant documentation.
- Submit your enquiry. You will receive an email with your reference number.
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
What happens after I apply?
The following is a typical timeline for events on roads:
| Application Submitted | - Submit a application at least 12 weeks before the event (6 months if alcohol restriction changes are required), including all supporting documentation. Ensure all sections are completed with ample details. - Council will aim to process your application within 6 weeks of receiving all the required details and documents. - We will contact you if additional information is required |
| Event Approved |
Upon approval, you will receive: - Open Space Bookings Contract (OSB Contract) - Traffic Management Plan (TMP) - Event Preparation Guide - Invoice |
| Event Preparation |
- Pay your invoice by the due date - Review all documentation received - Use the Event Preparation Guide to assist with completing all required pre-event actions, including engaging a third-party traffic management provider to implement your TMP |
| Event Notification |
2 weeks before the event: - The hirer undertakes a letterbox notification aligned with Event Preparation Guide requirements - Council installs VMS Boards to advise local traffic of the upcoming road changes - Council installs temporary "No Parking" signage within the road closure area to clear the event space |
| Event Day | - Council installs and removes road closure barriers - The third-party traffic management provider provides traffic control according to the TMP - Hirers must comply with all conditions and requirements contained in the OSB Contract and TMP |
Contact information
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need to apply for a Traffic Management Plan to close a road?
No, applying for an event on road location will trigger the use of the pre-approved Traffic Management Plan. However, you must engage a qualified provider to implement it.
If Council has provided the traffic plan, why do I still need a traffic company?
Council provides the approved Traffic Management Plan (TMP), which outlines how the road closure must operate, including the road closure layout, detour routes, traffic control measures, required equipment, and the locations where traffic controllers must be positioned.
The TMP is the plan only. An accredited traffic management company must be engaged to implement the TMP and provide traffic controllers, signs, traffic cones, and any other traffic management equipment required for the road closure.
For designated Event on Road locations, Council's role is limited to providing the approved TMP and supplying and installing the road closure barricades at the closure points.
The contact details and public liability insurance certificate of the engaged traffic management company must be provided to Council prior to the event date.
Does the Traffic Management Plan risk assessment cover my event?
No. The Traffic Management Plan includes a risk assessment for the road closure only and any risk mitigation strategies listed are to be implemented by your engaged traffic management company.
Event organisers remain responsible for preparing a risk assessment covering all event activities, patrons, infrastructure, contractors and operational risks.
Can I book a different road?
You may apply for a different road. However, the simplified process and complimentary services do not apply. You will need to arrange your own Traffic Management Plan, apply for a separate traffic permit (fees apply), and submit an event application.
Contact OpenSpaceBookings@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au to discuss your request.
My event has alcohol. Do I need to apply 6 months in advance?
Not necessarily. The 6-month application timeframe only applies if your event requires a change to existing alcohol restrictions, such as the temporary suspension of an Alcohol Free Zone (AFZ) or Alcohol Prohibited Area (APA).
If alcohol will be provided at your event, you should first check whether the event is being held within an AFZ or APA. If a change to alcohol restrictions is required, additional approvals are needed and your application must be submitted at least 6 months before the event date.
To find out if your event location is within an AFZ or APA, visit Council's Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas webpage.
If your event does not require any changes to existing alcohol restrictions, the standard 12-week application timeframe will generally apply. We recommend contacting Council as early as possible if you are unsure.