Council Approvals

Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (State Environmental Planning Policy (Temporary Structures and Places of Public Entertainment) 2007 (POPE SEPP 2007)) there are certain activities that you may only carry out with the prior approval of Council.

Two such activities are using premises as a place of public entertainment and operating an amusement device.

Place of Public Entertainment

A place of public entertainment is:

  • licensed premises
  • a theatre or public hall
  • a drive-in theatre
  • an open-air theatre

If your premises fall under one of these categories, you will require approval for the use of a building as a place of public entertainment.

Please note: You may require separate development consent and/or construction certificate should building works or change of use need to occur.

Complaints

Should you wish to lodge a complaint about a place of public entertainment venue, you can contact the following:

  • Liquor Administration Board – NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming, and Racing – resolves complaints of undue disturbance of the neighbourhood of licensed premises and registered clubs.  See www.olgr.nsw.gov.au.
  • Lake Macquarie Licensing Police – Charlestown Police Station – 02 4942 9999
  • Lake Macquarie City Council Customer Service Centre – 02 4921 0333

Amusement Devices

Not all amusement devices require council approval.  If your amusement device meets the following criteria, you will not require council approval.

  • The device is a small amusement device as defined in the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005.
  • The device is to be erected upon land zoned 3(1), 3(2), 6(1) and 6(2).
  • The device is to be installed and is used for one-day/weekend events only.
  • The device is erected on level ground of sufficient bearing capacity to support the device.
  • The device is registered under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.
  • The device is erected in accordance with all the conditions set out in its certificate of registration.
  • The device has a current logbook within the meaning of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.
  • The device is subject to a contract of insurance or indemnity to an unlimited amount or no less than $10m for each person who would be liable for damages for death or personal injury arising out of the operation or use of the device and any total or partial failure or collapse of the device against that liability.
  • The device meets with the operational requirements of WorkCover NSW.

If your device does not meet these criteria, you will need to apply to operate an amusement device.

Further Information

  • WorkCover NSW – 02 4351 5000
  • Lake Macquarie City Council Customer Service Centre – 02 4921 0333