Busking


BUSKING IN THE ROCKS AND CIRCULAR QUAY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 27 April 2007

From 1 May 2007, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority will be responsible for all aspects of busking in The Rocks & Circular Quay where the Authority is landowner.

Busking and road closures on Australia Day 2008
Please click here for information on busking and road closures on Australia Day Saturday 26 January 2008.

Why is there a busking policy?
The Authority recognises that Sydney has a strong tradition of busking and that buskers contribute to a sense of place in the public domain. The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for busking activities in a manner that realises the benefits of busking in the public domain, while regulating the conduct of busking to address stakeholder concerns. The Authority aims to encourage activity that contributes colour and life within its precincts and will work with buskers to minimise complaints, criticism and other problems associated with busking, while supporting the rights of individuals to express themselves.

ABOUT THE POLICY

How do I obtain a busking permit for The Rocks and Circular Quay?
Buskers wishing to operate at any of the sites covered by this policy are required to hold a current City of Sydney busking permit. Buskers must also hold a current Public Liability Insurance Certificate and produce photo identification.

When submitting your application to the Foreshore Authority buskers must provide the following:

  • A completed busking application form
  • A current City of Sydney busking permit
  • Current Public Liability Insurance Certificate
  • Proof of identification (driver’s licence, passport or proof of age card)
  • Parental consent form (if under 18 years of age)
  • A recent passport photo
Busking application appointments may be made between 10am and 3pm at Foreshore House reception, Level 6, 66 Harrington Street, The Rocks. Please contact Loretta Hindmarch, Place Manager – Operations to schedule an appointment on 02 9240 8742 or 0421 914 909.

An administration fee of $15.00 (cash only) is payable upon application.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approval?
Busking Permits will be issued by the Authority within 24 hours. Telephone inquiries can be made by calling 02 9240 8882 (during business hours).

What is the term of the policy?
The Authority’s interim busking policy will be in place from 1 May 2007 through to 31 October 2007. All permits issued from 1 May 2007 will expire:
  • Upon City of Sydney busking permit expiry
  • Upon Public Liability Insurance certificate expiry
  • Or 31 October 2007

    whichever date occurs first.
Why is the policy an interim policy?
In the interests of promoting busking within The Rocks and Circular Quay precinct, the Authority would like to work with buskers and stakeholders over the coming months to investigate how we can improve busking conditions. Current pitch locations will be reviewed to provide a balance between buskers’ and other stakeholders’ interests. The interim policy will allow the Authority to conduct this review to achieve the best possible outcome for visitors, buskers and other stakeholders.

Will buskers and other stakeholders be involved in reviewing the interim policy?
Buskers and other stakeholders are encouraged to work with the Authority in the coming months to review the day-to-day operations of the interim busking policy. The Authority is interested in all feedback and input to the policy so that an effective assessment may be undertaken to achieve a balanced outcome for all. Comments and or submissions are welcomed and may be sent to info@shfa.nsw.gov.au.

How have the busking conditions in The Rocks and Circular Quay changed?
The Authority’s busking policy is largely based on the City of Sydney’s busking policy with the following key differences:
  • The number of busking pitches has increased from nine to 15 to trial new sites and change some of the conditions of previously approved sites.
  • Walk -by acts have decreased from seven to six busking pitches within The Rocks and Circular Quay.
  • Solo acts with no amplification (SANA) sites have not previously been allocated however there are now five SANA busking pitches within the precinct. These sites have been allocated to promote busking activity while encouraging all buskers, visitors and stakeholders to work cooperatively together and to co-exist in a mutually beneficial environment.

What categories of busking are there within The Rocks and Circular Quay?
There are three different categories of busking activity permitted at defined pitches across the precinct. These are:

Circle Acts:
Defined as structured performances requiring the audience to stop and watch or participate in the performance. Approximate duration 20-40 minutes. Approved locations for Circle Acts are busking pitches 3, 9 and 11.

Circle Act sites are suitable for Special Busking Permits where the performance may involve the use of dangerous material and/or implements. The Authority will only grant a special busking permit if the applicant is a current City of Sydney special busking permit holder.

Walk-by Acts (WBA):
Spontaneous performances where the audience is not required to stop and watch. Approved locations for Walk-by acts are busking pitches 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13. Busking pitch 15 is also a Walk-by Act with special provisions.

Solo acts with no amplification (SANA):
A single person act for narrow or congested pedestrian traffic areas where a pitch is deemed to have a significant environmental impact. Approved locations for this busking activity are busking pitches 1-15 (all pitches).

The following map highlights the approved busking pitches under the Authority’s policy (please refer to Appendix B of the policy for more detailed maps):

Why is there a two-hour time limit on each busking pitch?
The Authority encourages buskers to consider their operating environment and the impact each busking activity has on its immediate surrounds. In order to promote a variety of artistic expression as well as avoid repetitive activity, the Authority imposes a two hour period on all busking pitches.

Can a busker book or reserve a busking pitch?
Buskers are permitted to operate in areas covered by this policy between the hours of 8am and 9pm. The Authority imposes a maximum of two hours per performance on all busking pitches. Pitches cannot be booked or reserved. If buskers are prepared to do so, they are permitted to wait at an occupied pitch until the current busker's two hours expires, at which time there should be a changeover of performer.

Is there a noise limit on busking?
Buskers must perform within acceptable volume levels whether amplified or not. These levels are to be such so as not to inconvenience the public or the day to day operation of businesses in the area.

Am I allowed to busk in Darling Harbour if I have a permit for The Rocks and Circular Quay?
This policy does not apply to Darling Harbour. Buskers wishing to operate at Darling Harbour must be authorised to do so under the Authority’s Darling Harbour Busking Policy. Further information on both The Rocks and Circular Quay Busking Policy and the Darling Harbour Busking Policy is available at www.shfa.nsw.gov.au.

COMPLIANCE

How long do I have to obtain a Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority busking permit?
Buskers wishing to perform at The Rocks and Circular Quay must obtain a Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority busking permit by no later than 11 June 2007. A transition period of two weeks has been granted for buskers to obtain all of the relevant documentation they require to obtain a permit. The Authority’s authorised officers and rangers will work with you from 1 May 2007 to 11 June 2007 to ensure that you are aware of the conditions of the policy and have obtained an Authority permit.

Compliance with all of the conditions of the policy must be in place by 12 June 2007.

What if I don’t comply with the conditions of the Interim Busking Policy?
The Authority’s authorised officers will work with you during the period between 1 May and 11 June 2007 to highlight any areas of activity that you may be undertaking that do not comply with the Authority’s busking policy.

From 12 June 2007, if you are conducting an activity that is not permitted within the Authority’s policy, an authorised officer or ranger will request your compliance. If you fail to comply with this request you may be issued with a fine or be directed to cease busking. If, as a busking permit holder, you are issued a total of three fines, the Authority will suspend your permit until you send a letter of explanation to the Authority explaining your continued non-compliance. Upon receipt of this letter, the Authority may re-activate your permit or choose to revoke your busking permit. Repeated non-compliance with the terms and conditions of your busking permit may result in your permit being permanently revoked.

How much can I be fined by an infringement?
A fine of $220 or more can be issued for an infringement.

How can I appeal or challenge an infringement?
On the spot infringements may be appealed by electing to take the matter to court.

What if I have any questions or concerns?
If you have any questions regarding the Authority’s busking policy, please contact:
Precinct Management Office
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority
Phone: 02 9240 8882
Email: info@shfa.nsw.gov.au.

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