2014-10-14 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda - Pages 1 - 50

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                14 OCTOBER 2014


The proposed street performance management model would comprise the Street Performance
Policy (the policy) providing the overarching framework, the guidelines which provide more
detailed information to assist applicants, and a permit with standard conditions for each approved
street performer.

Local governments have different approaches to balance the benefits of street entertainment with
the needs of traders, residents and the accessibility of visitors to precincts. At one end of the
scale local governments may be heavily involved and manage the entire street performance
process including fees, applications, auditions and compliance. While at the other end of the
spectrum there is at least one Queensland local government example with high profile precincts
which utilises levy funds to fund two alliances. These alliances manage the street performance
process incorporating applications, collection of fees, auditions and culminating in a
recommendation to Council to issue/not issue the permit to the applicant.

Ultimately, the model employed by local government relates to the nature of the local government
area, the precincts and other factors directly relate to the role that local governments, business
associations and the community wish to play in managing street performances.

Considering these factors, this report advocates that a hybrid approach to the street performance
process be adopted by Council which reinforces Council’s desire to work with community and
stakeholders on the delivery of policy. In practice, the proposed approach would operate by:

1.     Council receives the application and associated application fee.
2.     Evidence of the street performer’s ability provided to Council as part of the application is
       forwarded to the appropriate business association.
3.     The business association assesses the artist’s ability and fit for precinct and the
       requirement for audition. The business association may seek the opinion of local, well
       respected street performers for assessment purposes.
4.     The business association provides feedback to Council on whether a permit should or
       shouldn’t be offered and reasons for the decision.
5.     Council proceeds in accordance with the business association’s feedback and the policy.

All compliance matters relating to street performers will remain the responsibility of Council.


Previous Council Consideration

Nil.

Finance & Risk

The costs that will be incurred in the administration of the permits are accommodated in Council’s
operational budget (predominately as labour costs) within the Corporate Services Department.

Consultation

External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder

In September this year, Council conducted consultation with local business associations
regarding the Policy. The associations have either visited Council, or have provided written
feedback. Common themes emerging from the feedback include:

     Business associations want to be involved in the selection of street performers and
       performance sites within their business precincts.
     Business associations may act as a point of contact and liaison for street performers as
       required.
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