Busking


BUSKING IN THE ROCKS AND CIRCULAR QUAY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS May 2008

Introduction
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 Authority aims to encourage activity that contributes colour and life within its precincts while attempting to work with buskers in order to minimise complaints, criticism and other problems associated with buskers operating in the public domain, while supporting the rights of individuals to express themselves.

As Landowner, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority is responsible for all aspects of busking in The Rocks & Circular Quay. A busking policy provides a framework to enable busking activities to be undertaken within the precinct in a manner that realises the benefits of busking in the public domain, while regulating the conduct of busking in order to address stakeholder concerns.

1. THE PERMIT AND THE POLICY

1.1 How do I obtain a busking permit for The Rocks & Circular Quay?
Buskers must apply for a Busking Permit by contacting the Place Officer in charge of issuing the Busking Permits.

When submitting your application, buskers must provide the following:

  • A completed busking application form (available from our website.)
  • A current City of Sydney busking permit (is required if performing using dangerous equipment i.e.: fire, knives etc.)
  • Current Public Liability Insurance Certificate of $20 million showing the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority as the interested party.
  • Proof of identification (driver’s license, passport or proof of age card)
  • Proof of a work visa for those who are not residents of Australia (please see your sub-class to ascertain if permitted to work)
  • Parental consent form (if under 18 years of age)
  • A recent passport photo

Busking application appointments may be made during the hours of 10am and 3pm, Please contact the responsible Place Officer to schedule an appointment on 02 9240 8598.

An administration fee of $20.00 is payable upon application.

1.2 What categories of busking are there within The Rocks & Circular Quay?
There are 3 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: 10 and 12.

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: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13. Busking pitch 15 is also a Walk By Act with special provisions.

Site with no amplification (SNA):
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):

Busking Policy

1.3 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.

1. 4 How long does it take to obtain a permit?
A permit is issued on the spot conditional to buskers providing all documentation mentioned in point 1.1.

1.5 Can a busker book or reserve a busking pitch?
Pitches are not allowed to be booked or reserved.  Buskers are permitted to operate in areas covered by the policy between the hours of 9:00am and 9:00pm. The Authority imposes a two hour period on all busking pitches. 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.

1.6 Can buskers sell CD’s and display signage?
Buskers can only sell CD’s of their own music and advertise the sale of their CD’s by way of an A4 sign. The sale of other items or other performers CD’s is prohibited. When buskers accept the terms of conditions of busking operations within The Rocks & Circular Quay, they also accept the terms and conditions.

1.7 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 operations. Please refer to the Busking Policy for further information.

1.8 Can buskers use umbrellas or other types of shade during their performance?
No umbrellas or other types of shade are permitted in any of the Foreshore Authority pitches.

1.9 Is a busker allowed to busk in Darling Harbour if I have a permit for The Rocks & Circular Quay?
This policy does not apply to Darling Harbour. Buskers wishing to operate at Darling Harbour must be authorised to do so via the Authority’s Darling Harbour Busking Policy. Further information on both The Rocks & Circular Quay Busking Policy and the Darling Harbour Busking Policy is available on this website.

2. COMPLIANCE

2.1 How much can I be fined by an infringement?
Fines issued for an infringement will be subject to a minimum fine of $220.

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

2.3 What if I have any questions or concerns?
If you have any questions regarding the Authority’s busking policy, please contact:

Place Officer - Busking
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority
Phone: 02 9240 8598
Email: info@shfa.nsw.gov.au

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