The City of Canada Bay is set to re-energise our local streets and city centres with support from the NSW Government's $8 million Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program, which is designed to make staging street-based events simpler and more affordable across the state.
Council has been awarded $500,000 under the Vibrant Streets Package - Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program, which will reduce the cost and complexity of delivering street-based community events by streamlining approval processes and identifying local solutions to support event-ready streets.
NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said, "When I first came to office and was briefed on the cost of opening a street for an event, I was told it could cost up to $122,000 on each occasion. I couldn't believe it. We are now fixing this".
"We want to make these events cheaper and easier for councils to run, so they can host them more often. These events bring communities together, having fun and supporting local businesses without blowing the family budget," Minister Graham said.
City of Canada Bay Mayor Michael Megna welcomed the grant, highlighting the importance of local events for both the economy and community wellbeing.
"We're delighted to receive this support under the Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program. Street-based events bring our community together, stimulate our local economy and create vibrant public spaces that people can enjoy," Mayor Megna said.
"This funding will make it easier and cheaper to hold community events by improving the application process and installing event related infrastructure and equipment solutions, ensuring our streets are ready to host pop-up events in the long-term."
The program is a partnership-led initiative involving 16 pilot councils across NSW and forms part of the wider $19.7 million Vibrant Streets Package. By simplifying the process for councils and event organisers, the Program aims to transform streets into lively, event-ready spaces for social and cultural activities.
The 'Plug and Play Canada Bay' program will officially launch this October, beginning with community consultation involving key stakeholders. To find out more visit bit.ly/plugandplayccb.
To find out more about the Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program visit bit.ly/permitplugplayprogram
