Mosman Council has secured $500,000 in funding through the NSW Government's Permit/Plug/Play Program to help transform three locations in Mosman into event-ready streets and make it safer and more affordable to deliver community events and markets.
The initiative is a part of the NSW Government's Vibrant Streets Package, an over $40 million investment in transforming streets into thriving local places to support the community, businesses and the creative sector. It helps councils reduce the cost and complexity of delivering street-based events through streamlined approvals and targeted investment in enabling place infrastructure. The initiative supports event-ready streets, making it easier to deliver regular community events that strengthen community connections and support local businesses.
Improvements are proposed on Middle Head Road, Avenue Road and Myahgah Rd, including infrastructure upgrades that support events and functionality, safety and vibrancy of these popular community spaces. Council is planning to deliver additional power outlets, removable bollards, festoon lighting, road surface upgrades and other enhancements designed to improve safety, functionality and event operations.
"This funding is a significant investment in Mosman's public spaces and will help us create streets and places that are easier to activate for markets, festivals, community gatherings and cultural events," Mosman Mayor Ann Marie Kimber said.
"The improvements will support local businesses, strengthen community connections and make it simpler for event organisers to bring people together in Mosman."
Council will also review and simplify its event approval processes by developing a standardised Traffic Management Plan for street closures, standardising event application procedures to improve assessment and approval efficiency.
The funding builds on community feedback and lessons learned from previous events, including the Street Party Series at Middle Head Road and the growing popularity of the Mosman Night Market Series, which were both funded through the Open Streets Program and highlighted the need for improved event supporting infrastructure.
Permit/Plug/Play is a NSW Government grant initiative that supports participating councils across NSW to reduce the cost and complexity of delivering streets-based events.
Minister for Transport, Minister for the Arts and the Night-Time Economy, 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 and bring communities together and support local businesses without adding to pressure on rates."
