Public events are defined as regular or one-off indoor or outdoor events where people assemble for civic, social, educational, entertainment, sporting, religious, business or other purposes. Examples include concerts, shows, festivals, exhibitions and similar events.

The definition of a 'public building' under the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 includes 'places' as well as buildings. This means that an outdoor concert needs to meet the relevant requirements of the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992, even though it is not inside an actual building.

Public events in the City of Belmont

To hold a public event in the City, you will need to apply for approval under the Act and associated Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992.

This process involves providing a range of documentation with your application, including site plans, evidence of valid public liability insurance, comprehensive risk and emergency management plans.

The main legislation covering the approvals you will need to hold a public event includes:
 

• Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992 – This covers electrical safety, emergency plans and risk management, public amenities and other items;
• Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 – Noise from your event must comply with the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 at all times;
• Food Act 2008 and Food Regulations 2009 – All food outlets need to comply with food safety requirements and provide their Certificate of Registration;
• City of Belmont Consolidated Local Law 2020 - Any traders (including food vendors, amusements, retailers and exhibitors) need to comply with the requirements of the Local Law and hold appropriate permits.

Other items to consider

Most temporary structures require Structural Certification and some may require sign off from a structural engineer.
 
If the event involves the provision of alcohol, Racing, Gaming and Liquor approval may also be required.

You will also need a Risk Management Plan if your event is designed for 1,000 people or more and this must be developed in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS ISO 3100:2009.

You may also need to consider and provide documentation and plans for:
 

• Traffic management and parking
• Public Liability insurance
• First Aid and emergency service access
• Security and crowd control
• Waste and litter management

How to apply for approval

Since there are a number of regulations and laws to comply with, the application information that you need to submit will depend on the type of event you are planning. As a starting point, you might like to read:

• The City’s Public Event Application Information Package 
• Western Australian Department of Health Events and Public Buildings website

Please note, you may need to pay fees for event applications and a range of other fees can apply to different aspects of events. Please see the Public Event Fee Schedule at the end of the Public Event Application Form.

Application forms and other information

To apply for approvals for your event or learn more about the requirements, please use these forms.