Event Permits and Approvals

Provides advice for planning and organising an event or activity within the Shire, including permits and approvals required.

Event permit and approval

Please note: It is an offence to operate an event without a valid licence, permit or approval. Both Local Government and Police are empowered to close events that do not comply with the conditions of permits and approvals issued by the Shire.

Event Permit

If the event is to be held on a park, reserve or foreshore that is vested with the Shire, a permit must be obtained. Public events that are held on private property such as celebrations, concerts or markets at wineries also require approvals from the Shire.

Activities held solely within Shire halls may not require event permits. Public gatherings, functions and activities are permitted when conducted within the venue’s maximum capacity. Find out about our community halls for hire.

Depending on the nature and scale of the activity, other approvals such as a variation to capacity, permit to consume alcohol or Trading in a Public Place permit may be required.

Planning Approval

Planning Approval may be required for events, depending on the location and the duration of the event. 

Large events on private land are generally not supported unless the proposed event complies with the land use zone requirements and a Planning Approval has been issued for the event, or if the Shire determines that the event is exempt from the need for Planning Approval.

Application review and assessment

An initial review of your application will determine if all relevant information has been provided. Applicants will be contacted if any missing or additional supporting documentation is required to proceed with assessing your application.  

When reviewing your application, the Shire will consider the likely impacts on residents and the wider community, taking into account:

• Capacity of the proposed area
• Community safety
• Noise or nuisance
• Alcohol consumption
• Number of patrons
• Any additional factors. 

When assessing proposed events the Shire is guided by regulations and policies which include the following:

• Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911
• Health (Public Building) Regulations 1992
• Building Code of Australia
• Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991
• Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997
• Food Act 2008
• Australia New Zealand Food Standards
• Road Traffic Act 1974
• Shire Policies PE 44 Events Assessment Policy & PE 13 Surfing Policy
• Local Laws (Local Government Property Local Law 2013 and Activities in Thoroughfares & Trading in Public Places 2020)
• Guidelines for Concerts Events and Mass Gatherings (Department of Health 2009).

Feedback on your application will be sought from relevant internal stakeholders as required eg. Rangers, Infrastructure Services, Parks and Gardens, Works, Environment and Recreation Centre. These officers will advise compliance with relevant legislation. In addition, they may request permit conditions or advise any additional requirements the event organiser will need to address.

Permit/approval conditions

Event permits and approvals issued by the Shire will include conditions relating to public health and safety, environmental protection and the fees payable to the Shire. The event organiser is required to read the conditions and sign acknowledgment of these conditions in order for the event to proceed.

Large scale events will require a pre event inspection, to ensure public safety and compliance conditions are being met. The event organiser will be contacted to arrange a suitable time for this inspection prior to the officer attending.

In most cases an authorised Shire Officer will visit your event whilst the event is in operation.  

Fees payable

Once your application has been finalised you will receive an invoice for any permits and approvals, along with any other additional charges for conducting your event (power, cleaning, line marking, etc). If your event is on Shire property a bond may also be payable prior to the event if requested.

In some cases, the Shire may waive a percentage of fees associated with events. Restrictions apply and fees are required to be paid up front. If a waiver is approved 50% of the fee will be refunded. For information refer to Waiver of Fees and Charges.

More information and contacts

Shire of Augusta Margaret River contacts

• Application packages: Complete enquiry form
• Oval and Recreation Centre Bookings: Call Sports and Recreation Services on (08) 9780 5620
• Banner space bookings: Contact Sustainable Development Administration on (08) 9780 5233
• Fee waivers/Shire contributions: Grants and financial assistance

External agencies and departments

• Dept of Parks and Wildlife (Busselton)
• Dept of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)
• Dept of Mines and Petroleum (Fireworks permits)
• Dept of Lands 
• Dept of Racing Gaming and Liquor
• Dept of Transport
• Disability Services Commission 
• Main Roads WA
• Police or call Margaret River Police Station on (08) 9757 2222
• Volunteering WA