Use of Public Roads and Footpaths

A By-Law Permit is required to undertake certain activities on council land including public land and community reserves.

If your activity is for the purpose of providing entertainment for profit or any commercial activity and/or has more than 100 people or any structures and does not fit the below criteria, you will require a Special Event Permit.

Activities which require a By-Law Permit include but are not limited to:

• School or sporting activities,
• Information stands and pop-up displays,
• Advertising, canvassing or leaflet distribution,
• Fundraising – including badge days, raffles, BBQs,
• Use of drones,
• Fireworks,
• Display of banners,
• Moveable signs,
• Use or access over council land, and
• Wedding ceremonies.

The below sets out the rules for all private activities:

• Chairs, tables and small free standing shades (up to 3m x 3m) are allowed and you are responsible for any safety aspects relating to the items.
• Use of confetti, rose petals, rice or the release of items and/or materials that can pollute the environment and harm wildlife are not permitted (i.e. helium filled balloons and sky lanterns).
• The area must be left in a clean and tidy condition, with any rubbish removed immediately.
• Vehicles are not to be driven on grassed areas and any loading/unloading must occur within approved parking zones
• It is recommended to check Council’s ‘What’s On’ calendar for a guide to community and major events taking place within the city, noting that this calendar is a guide and may not show all events.

The permit will authorise the permit holder to use an approved portion of Local Government Land for an approved use, in accordance with all conditions of the permit, on a non-exclusive basis.

Applications for and approval of permits will be determined by Council taking a range of factors into consideration. There is no obligation on Council to approve a permit

A By-Law Permit will be valid for a period of time/s and day/s as stipulated on the permit.

By-Law Permit Application online form

By-Law Permit Application printable form

A permit is required for permanent, stationary or short-term commercial activities on council roads, footpaths and reserves to ensure the appropriate management of such activities.

Activities which require a Business Activity Permit include but are not limited to:

• Trading racks,
• Display of goods,
• Vehicle display/s,
• Temporary pop-up stalls (e.g fruit, vegetables, flowers), and
• Private business.

City of Mount Gambier charges a fee for use of public land for commercial purposes. Fees payable are in accordance with Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges (as applicable).

Business Activity Permit Application online form

Business Activity Permit Application printable form

Outdoor Dining

Outdoor dining contributes towards the vitality of our streets and can help to create a sense of space. Local hospitality businesses can apply for an outdoor dining permits to activate the public footpath in front of their business premises.

You must ensure that a clear and unrestricted public access walk through of no less than 1.5 metres in width is retained at all times along the footpath across the entire frontage of your business.

City of Mount Gambier charges a fee for outdoor dining permits. Fees payable are in accordance with Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges (as applicable).

Outdoor Dining Permit Application online form

Outdoor Dining Permit Application printable form

Mobile food vending businesses contribute to on-street activity and vibrancy by selling food or beverages from a vehicle.

Mobile food vendors must comply with the same food safety standards as other food businesses, as well as the regulations for mobile food businesses which are governed by the state government.

To operate your mobile food vehicle in the City of Mount Gambier, you must apply for a mobile food vendor permit from Council. Before applying for a mobile food vending permit, please make sure you have read and understood the Mobile Food Van operating guidelines.

For more information regarding mobile food business premise design, food safety skills, knowledge and tips, refer to the Mobile Food Vendors Fact Sheet .

City of Mount Gambier charges a fee for Mobile Food Vendors. Fees payable are in accordance with Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges (as applicable).

Permit to use public road for mobile food van online form

Permit to use public road for mobile food van printable form

Mobile food van operating guidelines

Health information leaflet

An Application for a Busking Permit can be obtained from Council, or downloaded below and must be submitted with valid photo identification. There is no fee payable.

A Busking Permit issued by Council only allows you to busk on council land. If you wish to busk at local supermarkets, shopping centres or other privately owned properties permission must be sought from store/centre management.

No permit will be granted to a child under the age of 12. A busking permit may be issued to a parent or guardian on behalf of a child that is aged under 16, but we need written consent from parent or guardian. Any permit granted to a parent or guardian on behalf of a child, is only valid during the daylight hours in which the child is not required to attend school in accordance with the Education Act 1972. The parent or guardian, to whom a permit has been issued on behalf of a child, must accompany the child at all times whilst the child performs.

Busking Permit Application online form

Busking Permit Application printable form

A person (other than the council or a person acting under some other statutory authority) must not make an alteration to a public road unless authorised to do so by Council.

Council will ensure an appropriate and consistent balance in the provision of access to private land, public land and road related areas for personal, business and community activities, while ensuring works undertaken do not unreasonably restrict general public use, cause damage to the road or negatively impact on the amenity of the road or road surface.

Permit applications forms are required to be lodged with Council a minimum of ten (10) business days in advance of the activity unless otherwise negotiated with Council.

Works on Public Road or Footpath Permit Application printable form

Works on Public Road or Footpath Permit Application online form

Directional Signage Permit Application

It is a requirement of Section 221 of the Local Government Act 1999 that any alteration of a road, which includes inverts or crossovers must have approval from Council. This includes new driveways, second driveways, widening of existing driveways, and relocation of existing driveways. Property owners are responsible for the construction, maintenance and/or alterations of their driveways and all associated costs.

An invert is a section of the driveway where the kerb is lowered or flattened to allow vehicles to cross from the road onto the property, while a crossover is a section of driveway that provides access from a property onto the public road which usually includes modification to the kerb and channel.

Once approval has been granted, any contractor with the appropriate skills can be engaged to undertake the works. Either you or your contractor is required to hold $20million Public Liability Insurance while undertaking works.

Invert applications can be completed in two parts. Part A is for the approval of the location of the invert/crossover, Part B is approval for the works to be completed.

Invert Crossover Opening Application printable form

Invert Crossover Opening Application online form