Waverley Council > Parks & Trees > Park Use Permits

Park Use Permits

When do I need a permit?

You will need a permit to engage in any of the following activities:

• Film and photography
• Organised sport
• Picnics or other informal gatherings of over 50 people
• Wedding ceremonies
• Erection of any structures, including marquees, jumping castles, etc
• Use of any equipment, including barbecues, public address systems, scaffolding, etc
• Corporate promotion, product sale, charity events
• Fitness training: please see Fitness Groups & Personal Trainers Policy

If unsure whether a permit is required, please contact the relevant officer as listed below.
Please note that users of Council property can be asked by Council officers to produce a valid permit.

Why do I need a permit?

Council controls use of its open space in order to provide the community with maximum amenity and accessibility. Some activities are generally prohibited, and others may be allowed only on certain days or at certain times. By applying for a permit you help us to provide a better service.
You also avoid the possibility of Council rangers asking you to cease your activities, you avoid clashes with other permit holders or Council maintenance teams, and you give us a chance to tidy up before your activities.

What activities are prohibited?

For the enjoyment of all, the public is requested to refrain from the following activities in all Waverley Council reserves:

• Riding bicycles or skateboards
• Flying kites or remote-controlled aircraft
• Throwing or hitting golf balls, cricket balls, baseballs, frisbees, boomerangs, etc
• Consuming or distributing alcoholic beverages
• Selling alcoholic beverages without a liquor licence and Council permission
• Playing organised ball games except on designated sports fields with a permit
• Operating portable barbecues without Council permission
• Lighting fires
• Setting off fireworks
• Carrying spearguns
• Camping and staying overnight

Do I have to pay for a permit? Why? What are the fees?

Council seeks to partly recover the cost of maintaining and improving its reserves by charging on a 'user pays' basis. Waverley Council fees are stated in the Pricing Policy in its annual Management Plan. Our fees compare favourably to most other Councils'.

How do I get a permit?

1. Have a look at our reserve descriptions and select a venue. Or feel free to discuss your needs with the relevant officer:

   VENUE	OFFICER	TEL	FAX	EMAIL
   All beaches and Bondi Park	Chris Thane	8362 3406	8362 3430	christ@waverley.nsw.gov.au
   All other parks and reserves	Dov Midalia	9386 7999	9389 2612	dovm@waverley.nsw.gov.au
   All streets	Anne Ahrens	9369 8160	9387 1820	annea@waverley.nsw.gov.au
   All cemeteries	Martin Forrester-Reid	9665 4938	9665 4785	cemetery@waverley.nsw.gov.au
   Bondi Junction Town Centre	Linda McDonald	8305 8419	9386 0527	lindam@waverley.nsw.gov.au

   Please note:

   • Queens Park is run by Centennial Parklands, 9339 6699.
   • For indoor venues in the Waverley area see the Venue Hire page
      
2. Complete an application form and send it back to us. Please note that all applications to film or photograph must be accompanied by a Certificate of Currency showing that you have public liability insurance for $10 million. This requirement may be applied to other activities, at Council's discretion. For Fitness Training use this form.
3. Fees must be paid before the date of the event. However, please do not send payment with your application. Applying does not guarantee approval. If your application is approved we will send you an invoice.

What does a permit allow me to do?

Your permit will give you access to a specific reserve for a specific period on specific dates, for the purpose of carrying out specific activities. It will also specify the number of people and, where relevant, the types of equipment or vehicles permitted.

The permit will also state a list of conditions. Breaking any condition invalidates the permit.

Most permits do not give you exclusive use of a particular area. We cannot reserve a picnic shelter or barbecue or specific area for you, though we may restrict you to certain areas depending on your activities. Except in the case of sports bookings, you will have to share all available facilities with other park users.

What happens if I fail to obtain a permit, or book a reserve but don't pay?

Please note that failing to obtain a permit where required, or failing to abide by the requirements of a permit (including the requirement to pay a fee) is an offence under Section 68 of the Local Government Act.

A permit is issued only upon payment, and must be produced on request, together with a receipt for the relevant fees, on the day of your activity. If you cannot produce a valid permit and receipt when asked by a Council officer, you may be required to cease your activities. Approval of any future bookings may also be affected.