Newcastle to Benefit from $500,000 Grant for Street Events Under New Government Program

5 September 2024

City of Newcastle will receive up to $500,000 from the Minns Government through the Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program, part of a larger Vibrant Streets Package aimed at making street events more accessible and affordable. This program is designed to support free-entry street parties, festivals, and markets, helping to transform Newcastle’s streets into event-ready spaces.

The Vibrant Streets Package, a $19.7 million investment, seeks to inject energy into local streets by supporting businesses, the creative sector, and the broader community. It includes two key grant programs for councils across New South Wales:

Open Streets: A grant program allowing councils to temporarily close streets to cars for a day or a series of days, creating vibrant public spaces filled with community events and activations. Although applications for this program have closed, it aims to turn streets into walkable spaces for people to enjoy.
Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program: This program partners with pilot councils, like Newcastle, to reduce the cost and complexity of street-based events. By pre-approving streets as event sites, this “local problems, local solutions” model ensures communities can more easily host events without the burden of new traffic management plans or development applications.

The $500,000 grant will enable the City of Newcastle to upgrade Darby Street, Laman Street, Beaumont Street, and Wharf Road with infrastructure such as onsite power, water, safety barriers, and bollards. These upgrades will reduce the need for costly equipment hire and streamline event planning.

Transport for NSW is working closely with local councils and government agencies to trial new strategies that bring these street-based events to life. The Great Places Toolkit, currently in development, will provide resources for local governments, state agencies, and communities to help plan and manage vibrant public spaces.

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp MP, said: “Revitalising the State’s nightlife is a key priority for this Government. Newcastle’s economy will undoubtedly benefit from this much-needed funding boost. These events will foster a stronger sense of community and provide spaces for people to connect and support local artists and businesses.”

Lord Mayor, Cr Nuatali Nelmes, added: “Local events not only offer valuable opportunities for social inclusion but also attract visitors, which in turn benefits local businesses. This funding will allow City of Newcastle to create resources that reduce the costs and complexity of hosting street-closure events.”

The Vibrant Streets Package is part of the Minns Government’s ongoing investment into public spaces and transport hub precincts, supporting local businesses and enhancing community well-being. More information on the program will be available soon.