Organising events across the Bellingen Shire is set to become easier after Bellingen Shire Council secured funding through the NSW Government’s Permit/Plug/Play Program.
The funding will support efforts to streamline event application processes, provide resources for event organisers and upgrade street power infrastructure at key locations across the shire.
Events play an important role in the cultural life of the Bellingen Shire, with community markets, live music, festivals, creative gatherings and other street-based activities attracting residents and visitors, supporting local businesses and showcasing local artists, makers and performers.
Bellingen Shire Council Group Leader Community Partnerships Maxine Compton said Council had been awarded $489,000 through the NSW Government program, which is administered by Transport for NSW.
The Permit/Plug/Play Program aims to reduce the cost and complexity of delivering street-based events by streamlining approval processes and investing in supporting infrastructure.
“The funding will enable Council to review the current event approval processes, planning and approval pathways to streamline how events are assessed, prepare practical toolkits and templates to guide event organisers through the process, and deliver power infrastructure upgrades at key sites across the Shire, so that spaces are event-ready,” Compton said.
Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan said events were a significant part of the region’s identity.
“Events are part of who we are in the Bellingen Shire. They have deep roots here, and our communities — across Bellingen, Dorrigo, Urunga and our villages — are rightly proud of the markets, festivals and gatherings we’re known for,” Allan said.
“We have a community that genuinely turns out to support its events and its creative sector, and that’s something special. This funding means we can make it easier for organisers to do what they do best, so we can keep bringing our towns to life for everyone to enjoy.”
The Permit/Plug/Play Program is part of the NSW Government’s Vibrant Streets Package, a more than $40 million initiative aimed at revitalising streets as active public spaces, supporting local businesses and strengthening community and creative sector activity.
The project is funded through the NSW Government’s Permit/Plug/Play Program.
More information is available on the program’s website.
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