Permit, Plug, Play Pilot Program: Bayside

Bayside Council is one of 16 Councils selected for an innovative pilot program delivered by Transport for NSW that will make it simpler and cheaper for street-based events to be held in Bayside.

Council received $500,000 for the “Bayside Eventful Avenues” project under Transport’s Vibrant Streets Package – Permit/Plug/Play Pilot program, to identify event-ready streets and deliver long-term cost reductions by streamlining approval processes for temporary road closures.

Street-based events have been shown to transform and re-energise our streets and local centres, stimulating local economies and building community wellbeing.

The Permit/Plug/Play Pilot program, part of the NSW Government’s $19.7 million Vibrant Streets Package, is designed to streamline approval processes making it simpler and cheaper to stage street events in Bayside.

The Program builds on the success of existing Transport for NSW programs that support activating our streets and transport hub precincts. Process improvements, enabling place infrastructure and street activations under the Program are expected to be delivered by November 2025.

Mayor Edward McDougall said

“This grant will help Council projects designed to inject vibrancy into our streets and create thriving local spaces that support businesses, creative sectors, and the community,” Mayor Edward McDougall said

NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said

“When I first came to office and was briefed on the cost of opening a street for an event, I was told it could cost up to $122,000 on each occasion. I couldn’t believe it. We are now fixing this.” NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said.

“We want to make these events cheaper and easier for councils to run, so they can host them more often. These events bring communities together, having fun and supporting local businesses without blowing the family budget,” Minister Graham said.

/Public Release. View in full here.