Host an event on private land

Are you planning on delivering an event that is open to members of the public on private land? If so, you may need to apply for an Entertainment Venue Licence from City of Gold Coast.

Here are some requirements you may need to consider when hosting a public event on private land.

Entertainment Venue Licence

Temporary events on private land require approval under the City's local laws. Applications will be assessed for impact on amenity and public safety, and the mitigation proposed by the event organiser for those impacts.

By email

Step 1.Gather your documents

To apply to host a public event on private land you need to provide:

  • a site plan showing the placement of all infrastructure, entertainment and amenities
  • written consent from the land owner
  • noise impact assessment report / noise management plan
  • food business details
  • evidence of nil fee eligibility (if applicable)
  • a copy of your Public Liability Insurance Certificate
  • any additional supporting information (e.g. waste management plan, traffic management plan, liquor patron management plan).

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Entertainment venue licence application(PDF, 82KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Email your completed application form to mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.

In person

Step 1.Gather your documents

To apply to host a public event on private land you need to provide:

  • a site plan showing the placement of all infrastructure, entertainment and amenities
  • written consent from the land owner
  • noise impact assessment report / noise management plan
  • food business details
  • evidence of nil fee eligibility (if applicable)
  • a copy of your Public Liability Insurance Certificate
  • any additional supporting information (e.g. waste management plan, traffic management plan, liquor patron management plan).

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Entertainment venue licence application(PDF, 82KB)

Step 3.Visit one of our customer service centres

Submit your application at one of our customer service centres (Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm).

By mail

Step 1.Gather your documents

To apply to host a public event on private land you need to provide:

  • a site plan showing the placement of all infrastructure, entertainment and amenities
  • written consent from the land owner
  • noise impact assessment report / noise management plan
  • food business details
  • evidence of nil fee eligibility (if applicable)
  • a copy of your Public Liability Insurance Certificate
  • any additional supporting information (e.g. waste management plan, traffic management plan, liquor patron management plan).

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Entertainment venue licence application(PDF, 82KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Post to:

City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042
GCMC QLD 9726

Development approval

Do you need development approval? This will depend on the current zoning of the land and your proposed use, size of audience, duration and impact.

Please contact us on 1300 465 326 or visit Do I need a development application for detailed requirements.

Traffic management

Do you need a Traffic Management Plan? Event organisers need to ensure that roads in the surrounding areas have the capacity for any expected increase in traffic.

Applications for event road closures should be lodged through the City Events team via email. Submit the temporary road closure application form located on the Temporary road closures page.

Food stalls

All food operators need to comply with Queensland Government requirements.

An application for a food licence can be accessed on the Food business page.

Contact details

City Standards
Council of the City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042
GOLD COAST MC 9726

Phone: 1300 465 326

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