Events toolkit

We want Gold Coast events to be accessible and inclusive for everyone. Find resources to help you make your events accessible, inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

Accessible Events Guide

Our Accessible Events Guide provides practical information and tips for event organisers to plan and deliver small and large events for everyone to enjoy. The Guide is based on feedback from, and experiences of, event organisers, presenters, and participants with disability.

Download the Accessible Events Guide(PDF, 2MB)

For a hard copy or for other formats of the Guide, please contact us by email inclusion@goldcoast.qld.gov.au or SMS 0468 566 413.

Other resources

Watch the following video from the Queensland Government and Get Skilled Access.

For more training resources and fact sheets from the Queensland Government, visit Queensland Disability Plan.

For information about event organisers' obligations under anti-discrimination legislation, visit the Queensland Human Rights Commission or Australian Human Rights Commission.

Getting patrons to and from your event easily and safely, makes for a more enjoyable event experience. Encourage your patrons to plan their journey to your event and use sustainable transport (walking, cycling, public transport, and carpooling).

To promote sustainable travel, consider adapting the following messages to suit your event and include in your publicity materials:

• We encourage patrons to use public and active transport to travel to and from the event.
• Staying or live locally? Walk, bike or skateboard to the event.
• Use the Translink journey planner to find out which scheduled bus, train and G:Link services are going to the event.
• Parking may be limited – consider carpooling to the event with family and friends.
• Don't drink and drive, organise a designated driver.

These messages could be included on the event website, on site maps, marketing materials or event tickets. The order you present your transport information should engage firstly with visitors to the Gold Coast, provide options for those that stay or live near the event venue and conclude with options for those who travel further. For example promote firstly walking and cycling, then public transport, taxi, carpooling and lastly parking.

As participation in public events has become part of modern life, there is an expectation that events will be enjoyable, well organised and safe. Alcohol is often seen as a symbol of celebration and is included as part of festivities at many public events.

For all questions in relation to adding liquor to your event, please contact the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation on:

Web: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/hospitality-tourism-sport/liquor-gaming/liquor
Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
Email: ll_goldcoast@justice.qld.gov.au
Street address: Level 3, 12-14 Marine Parade, Southport, Queensland
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm

If you are planning on supplying liquor on public land, an Alcohol, Safety and Event Management Plan must be completed and submitted. Please note, it may take up to 38 business days to process any liquor application (21 days for a Community Liquor Permit / 28 Days for a Commercial Public Event Permit for OLGR and 10 days for the City of Gold Coast). You are able to submit applications to OLGR for assessment and to City of Gold Coast for endorsement, at the same time.

Organisers are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible to allow sufficient time for processing liquor permits.

You should also contact your local police station to discuss the inclusion of liquor at your event and to ensure your event patrons benefit from a successful and safe event.

When organising or managing an event that includes the display of films, publications or computer games, you must consider and abide by state and federal classification laws. This includes:

Advertising – all printed/digital advertisements of the event must:

• display the correct classification marking and the consumer advice
• display the marking on the lower left corner on the front face or close to the title
• ensure the marking is prominent and easy to see and read
• where displayed on a screen, markings must be displayed for a sufficient amount of time to allow the marking to be read in full.

At the event:

• Classification information must be visible to all members of the public at the event. The classification code must be displayed near the title of the publication and must be legible, easily distinguished and not obstructed by other material. When the classification marking is displayed on screen, it must be visible for enough time for people to read it.
• You must ensure that where a publication is rated MA 15 , people attending the event aged between 2 and 14 years are not present without an adult. For screenings that are rated R 18 , you must ensure that people under 18 are not present.
• Advertisements during an event – you must ensure that any advertisements exhibited during a screening of a film are not classified higher than the film being screened.
• Unclassified material – If you are holding a public event and wish to include unclassified films, computer games or submittable publications in your program, the event must be registered unless it is organised by an approved cultural institution.

Where you are found to breach the classification laws, you may be ordered to pay a monetary penalty (under the Classification of Films Act 1991 (Qld) s20). For further information, please contact the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

As part of the planning of your event, you may be required to provide notification and supporting documentation to emergency services.

For more information, please contact:

Queensland Ambulance Service
Web: www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/booking
Phone: 07 5547 3510
Email: qas.gcevents@ambulance.qld.gov.au

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
Web: www.qfes.qld.gov.au
Phone: 07 5675 7200
Email: qfrs.R6GCZadmin@qfes.qld.gov.au

Queensland Police Service
Web: www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/event-safe
Phone: 07 5570 7859
Email: MajorEventsGoldCoast@police.qld.gov.au

Use this event management plan template to help you plan your event.

Event management plan(DOCX, 337KB)

The Queensland Government has a range of event templates available on their website. See Best practice guidelines for event delivery in Queensland.

Use this fact sheet as a guide if you are planning an outdoor event at a City of Gold Coast site. It includes information about waste management and providing toilet facilities.

Event planning fact sheet(PDF, 82KB)

Resources Safety & Health Queensland must be notified should any pyrotechnic display be proposed as part of the event. Please contact this department on 07 3199 8023 or explicensing@rshq.qld.gov.au

Fireworks displays cannot be conducted on Council controlled land when Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have imposed a fire ban for the Gold Coast. For current fire ban information visit Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

The Queensland Government provides additional information on firework displays.

You will need a licence to handle or prepare unpackaged food as part of your business. This applies to businesses whether they are in a fixed location, within mobile premises, or a temporary food stall (e.g. food stalls at markets or events).

You do not need a licence to sell:

• pre-packaged food
• whole fruit and vegetables
• snack and other foods that are not potentially hazardous, such as chocolates, confectionary, dried fruit, cereals, uncooked pasta and spreads
• drinks, such as tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcohol
• primary produce (accredited producers).

For more information visit our Food business licensing page.

For any public event that includes the use of gas appliances, liquefied petroleum gas cylinders and gas systems, you must ensure that the following two critical gas safety requirements are observed:

• gas appliances are approved for supply, installation and use
• installation work is only conducted by an appropriately-qualified and licensed person.

Only gas appliances that are suitable to the type and nature of the public event are to be used and all prescribed gas related incidents must be reported to Work Health and Safety Queensland and the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate.

Refer to the Department of Natural Resources Mines and Energy's Guideline for Managing Gas Safety at Public Events to ensure use is in line with best practice recommendations and for guidance on the reporting process and prescribed incidents triggering a reporting obligation.

To provide clarity and consistency in gas safety expectations you are encouraged to provide a gas safety checklist to vendors. The checklist is to be completed by vendors prior to the event for you to retain a copy of as part of your event records.

Ice baths present a significant public health risk. This is due to the associated water quality risks if not managed properly.

Ice baths must have a licence, under the provisions of Subordinate Local Law no.16.2 (Swimming Pools) 2008. If you are seeking to have an ice bath at an event, you must submit a Swimming pool licence application (no fees apply). Please ensure you complete the temporary use section.

Please provide the following information with your application:

1. Details about the proposed cleaning and disinfection practices of the ice baths.
   Note: Ice baths must be sufficiently chlorinated (minimum 1.0 mg/L). Ensure you monitor and maintain chlorine levels throughout the entirety of the event.
2. Details about the proposed disposal of wastewater from the ice baths.
   Note: Ensure you dispose of wastewater from the ice baths to the sewer system, not onto the ground or into the stormwater system.

The Risk Management Plan for your event must include ice baths as an identified hazard. All risks associated with this activity must have adequate control measures. These include:

• how trained professionals will monitor and supervise users during the activity
• drowning
• wastewater.

The Gold Coast is the traditional land of the Yugambeh people. Public art involving Indigenous stories and/or cultural perspectives must be aligned with Council's obligations in relation to Indigenous cultural heritage (refer to Council's Public Art Policy for further details).

Inflatable amusement devices (jumping castles and slides) being used at an event on Council controlled land must:

• be supplied, installed and operated by a commercial operator
• have a Certificate of Registrable Plant for each inflatable (with a platform height of 3 metres or more), with a copy of each Certificate provided to the City
• be in compliance with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, Subdivision 2 (Operation of amusement devices)

Tourism & Events Queensland – event marketing toolkit

Download Tourism & Events Queensland's comprehensive guide, 'Leveraging TEQ's consumer channels in event marketing', detailing everything you need to promote your event. Visit TEQ – Marketing and social media.

Help promote the Gold Coast as an events destination

You can play your part in continuing to make the Gold Coast a premier events destination by using some of the following messages.

Feel free to use any of these messages on your event website, in media releases or marketing materials.

• The Gold Coast is a world-class events city.
• Events are a key pillar of our city's economy.
• The Gold Coast offers world-class events in a world-class city.
• The Gold Coast is a vibrant events destination, hosting more than 900 events a year.
• Our events capture the essence of our city – they're vibrant, diverse and energetic.
• Whatever your passion or interest, there's an event for everyone.

Find out how you can optimise your event promotion and attendance.

What's On Gold Coast

Showcase your event at What's On Gold Coast, which receives over one million views per year.

During the planning stages of your event you should consider if your identified site is considered an animal control area, as this could impact on your event. For example, if your site is dog prohibited, you may like to remind potential participants that it is an animal-free event.

Some parks, reserves and beaches on the Gold Coast are designated as:

• off leash dog exercise areas where dogs may be exercised off leash but under effective control
• dog prohibited areas where dogs are not permitted.

Maps detailing the off leash dog exercise areas and prohibited areas are available.

Pets at events

If you are going to allow dogs to attend your event please ensure your site is not designated as a dog prohibited area.

We also suggest you include the following pet rules:

• Only bring your pet along if it is well-behaved, non-aggressive and doesn't get stressed out in crowded, stimulating and noisy situations.
• Ensure your pet is on leash and under effective control at all times.
• Scoop the poop and bin it.

Please note: under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 guide, hearing and assistance dogs are permitted to accompany a person to all areas where event attendees are normally able to go. For more information on your obligations, visit the Queensland Government Guide, hearing and assistance dog – accessing public places.

If you wish to connect to the City's water or sewerage infrastructure (i.e. portable toilets plumbed into the City's sewerage system) or you are pumping waste water to a separate holding tank, you may require assessment/approval in accordance with the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018. Furthermore, bump-in of this infrastructure must not commence before a permit is issued and the facilities must not be used before the City has inspected the work / issued an inspection certificate.

Further information relating to plumbing and drainage requirements or to submit an application, please visit Commercial plumbing & drainage applications.

Portable hydration stations currently unavailable.

The temporary hydration stations for use at local events are currently unavailable for bookings due to scheduled maintenance.

The Australian Government has developed a strategy for protecting crowded places from terrorism. Please refer to this information as part of your risk planning of an event.

For more information visit the Australian Government's National security website.

Risk is an important consideration when planning an event. Your risk management plan should identify all event risks and detail relevant control measures. Use this example risk management plan template as a guide to help deliver a safe event:

Risk management plan template(DOC, 100KB)

The Australian Government has developed a strategy for protecting crowded places from terrorism. Please refer to this information as part of your risk planning for the event.

A Traffic Management Plan (TMP) must be submitted to the City of Gold Coast for all events requesting a road closure or impacting roadways/footpaths/parking facilities. The plan must:

• be prepared by a qualified Traffic Management Designer (TMD). A list of registered traffic management organisations with qualified TMD personnel can be accessed from Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads.
• be endorsed by Queensland Police.
• be endorsed by City of Gold Coast, Transport and Traffic branch.
• include detailed Traffic Guidance Schemes (TGS) where applicable.

Note: Temporary Road Closure applications linked to events must be submitted via the PDF or MS Word application form and submitted via email to eventapplications@goldcoast.qld.gov.au. Please do not complete the online Road closure application. Visit the Temporary road closures webpage for more detailed information and to download the Temporary Road Closure application form.

You will also need a Special Event Permit from the Queensland Police Service.

If your event will impact a State controlled road you may be required to submit an application to the Department of Transport and Main Roads. For information, visit: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/technical-standards-publications/traffic-control-permit

Should your road closure or traffic management impact a public transport service, you will be required to notify and consult Translink via email: temporary.closures@translink.com.au

As part of Queensland's plan to tackle plastic pollution, the supply of the following single-use plastic items will be banned in Queensland from 1 September 2021:

• straws: regular straws, flexible straws, straws with a scoop, cocktail straws and bubble tea straws
• cutlery: knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons, sample tasting spoons, soup spoons, chopsticks, splayds and sporks
• bowls and plates
• stirrers: hot or cold drink stirrers, swizzle sticks and hot or cold food stirrers
• expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers and cups, for example 'clamshell' style containers.

The Queensland Government provides additional information on the single-use plastic items ban. This includes a commitment to ensuring best practice sustainable events by not using helium balloons.

A site map is an essential component in both the planning and delivery stages of your event. It is recommended that you use an aerial photograph of the event site (available through Google maps) and include the placement of items such as:

• the boundary/fence line of the venue
• all infrastructure and equipment
• existing items at the site – buildings, toilet blocks, hazards, etc.
• entry and exit points
• location of first aid, lost kids, water, fire extinguishers
• licensed areas
• staging and marquees
• portable toilets and bins
• food stalls
• generators, lighting towers, site sheds and storage facilities.

View an example of an event site map(PDF, 306KB)

In order to protect the health of the community, smoking/vaping is either banned or restricted at event common areas such as:

• eating and drinking areas
• within 10m of viewing and playing areas at under-18 sporting events
• within 10m of any skate parks
• within 10m of children's outdoor playground equipment, and
• within 5m of public transport waiting points.

You may choose to implement a range of prevention measures to help event attendees meet their obligations under the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Regulation 2021 (Qld), including:

• establishing designated smoking/vaping areas within the event area to restrict smoking to these areas
• putting up highly visible signage such as No Smoking/Vaping signs and Fresh Air Zone signs at conspicuous and/or relevant locations where smoking/vaping is prohibited in the event area.

The event organiser is advised to liaise with the Gold Coast Public Health Unit of Queensland Health regarding the placement of smoking/vaping areas within the event boundaries on the days of the event. The contact details for the Gold Coast Public Health Unit are 07 5687 9000 or gcphucdc@health.qld.gov.au.

All temporary structures (including temporary tiered seating to provide viewing facilities, tents/marquees to provide shelter and platforms/supports for performers, such as stages) must meet the safety expectations set out by the Australian Building Codes Board in the Temporary Structures Standard 2015.

The Standard is intended for use in the design, construction and use of temporary structures. It provides criteria for structural safety (particularly determining appropriate wind actions), fire safety (including fire resistance of materials, fire safety services and equipment, and egress), access, sanitary facilities and certain ancillary provisions.

You must complete the Checklist for assembled structures for all relevant temporary structures more than 100 square metres and provide this to the City upon request.

Checklist for assembled structures(PDF, 293KB)

If any tents/marquees are more than 100 square metres but less than 500 square metres and will remain in place for not more than 4 weeks, you must ensure compliance with the Queensland Development Code (Part 3.0 Special buildings, MP3.2 Tents). This code outlines structural requirements for design, construction and use. All tents/marquees must also be certified by a registered professional engineer who is registered under the Queensland Professional Engineers Act (Qld) 2002. We recommend obtaining a copy of the engineer's professional indemnity insurance.

For information on Gold Coast tourism and accommodation options, check out Destination Gold Coast.

Volunteering Queensland are the state peak body solely dedicated to advancing volunteering for the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of Queensland.

If you are interested in communicating with their database of volunteers for your event, please contact Volunteering Queensland on 07 3002 7616 or email events@volunteeringqld.org.au

Volunteering Gold Coast is one of the largest not-for-profit organisations on the Coast.

With over 20 years of experience in creating social impact and thousands of volunteer positions available, Volunteering Gold Coast can assist you sourcing volunteers for your event.

Get in touch today to become part of a diverse and powerful network for social change on the Gold Coast.

The management of waste at events is an important consideration, whether the event is small or large. Please consider becoming waste wise when planning your event.

Being waste wise doesn't have to cost you more money, and it can reduce your event's carbon footprint, save resources and help keep the Gold Coast clean and green.

City of Gold Coast is in the process of developing waste wise guidelines, but a comprehensive Waste Wise Event Toolkit is available now from New South Wales Environment Protection Authority.

The event planning fact sheet, available below, is a guide for event organisers who are planning an outdoor event at a City of Gold Coast site and highlights important factors to consider before, during and after an event, including waste management, recycling and adequate provision of toilet facilities. Reading this guide will help to ensure your event is a success. Download the Event planning fact sheet(PDF, 82KB)