LICENSING

Cook Shire Council ensures that various activities within the community are conducted safely and in accordance with local regulations through its licensing requirements.

Whether you’re operating a market stall, hosting a public event, or using Council-controlled land for commercial purposes, obtaining the appropriate permits is essential. These permits help maintain community standards, ensure public safety, and support the orderly use of public spaces. Explore the different types of licenses available and learn how to apply to ensure your activities comply with local laws and regulations.

Market stalls

Those wishing to operate a market stall within a local government controlled area such as a park, roadside, sporting oval or community hall are required to hold a relevant permit. Market stall permits are available to cover either annual or one day activities.

In addition, if the market stall holder intends to sell food they will be required to obtain a Food Business Licence.

Applications for approval to operate a market stall in Council controlled areas. Choose a form that applies:

Public Place Activities

Cook Shire Council’s Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2016 and its subordinate regulates the types of activities that can be conducted on Council controlled land. If you intend to conduct an activity in a local government area that meets any of the criteria below you will be required to obtain a Public Place Activity permit.

• filming and television production activities for which a development application is not required under the local government’s planning scheme;
• an invitation only ceremony, party or celebration attended by more than 50 people;
• a car wash, school fete or similar fundraiser held on no more than 1 day;
• a training event held on no more than one day;
• a training event held on more than one day without payment of a fee;
• a display, demonstration or information booth; and
• a right of occupation and use of a specified part of a park or reserve by a sporting association.

Application for approval to conduct a public place activity.

Advertising devices

Many advertising devices are exempt from regulation by local laws including those that are regulated by Cook Shire Council’s Planning Scheme and tear drop flags, event directional signs, real estate signs, garage sale signs and election signs that meet certain criteria. These criteria are described in schedule 10 of Cook Shire Council’s Subordinate Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2016. Should you wish to display an advertising device that is not exempt you will be required to obtain a permit to display an advertising device.

Application for approval to display an advertising device. 

Temporary entertainment events

The regulation of temporary entertainment events is intended to ensure that these activities have a minimal impact on residents and the wider community through the control of factors such as noise, light pollution and traffic management. Another reason Council elects to regulate these events is to ensure they run in a manner that is both comfortable and safe for patrons. Schedule 18 of Cook Shire Council’s Subordinate Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2016 lists events that do not require an approval in addition to describing the application requirements for those that do require an approval.

Please note that large events may require a substantial lead time between an application being received and an approval being issued. For further information please contact Council’s Environmental Health Officer.

Application for approval to run a temporary entertainment event.

Commercial use of local government controlled area

Should you wish to conduct a commercial activity on a local government controlled area or road and this activity is not a public place activity, market stall, outdoor dining or temporary entertainment event then you will be required to obtain a permit.

Application for approval for Commercial Use of Local Government Controlled Area.