Sydney's buskers and street performers are set to have more opportunities to share their talent and creativity with visitors and locals.
After consulting buskers and key partners, and reviewing its busking policy, the City of Sydney has developed proposals to create a more flexible, inclusive and safe busking experience.
The updated policy will better support live performance in public spaces, increase the number of available locations and provide guidance for artists to perform safely and confidently in some of the city centre's busiest places.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said it was important to work together with the government to give performers more freedom to do what they do best: entertain, inspire and connect with people.
"Having heard loudly and clearly buskers want more space and flexibility, we flipped the script so buskers can perform wherever they want with a few exceptions we're asking they respectfully avoid," the Lord Mayor said.
"On land the state government operates, like along the Harbour and at train stations, they still employ the old approach which only allows busking in certain sites.
"Buskers tell us they'd like that to change and bring the state government in line with the City's new approach.
"We're committed to working closely with the NSW government, who manage Barangaroo, The Rocks, Circular Quay and the rail network to better align busking programs and provide a single source of information for buskers across Sydney sites."
Key changes to the policy include:
- increased access to high-foot-traffic locations such as Pitt Street Mall and Martin Place
- a more flexible approach to busking on George Street, while addressing safety around light rail tracks
- a simpler, faster application process
- more time and locations for a greater diversity of performance styles
- clearer guidance for performers, businesses and the public.
As well as updating the policy, the City of Sydney is developing an online resource that will make it easier for buskers to access an interactive version of the busking code on their smartphones. The digital resource – to be trialled after the public feedback period – will provide information about securing and renewing permits, real-time updates about issues or activities impacting busking locations and an easy way for buskers to contact the City of Sydney and provide feedback about busking.
The review began in November 2025 after Council called for consultation with buskers, investigating more safe busking locations on George Street and hearing from light rail operator Transdev about safety impacts.
Feedback took place in December and January, with 133 responses received through surveys, drop-in sessions, meetings and written submissions. Buskers shared views on preferred locations, safety, policy settings and the overall experience of busking in the city.
