New activity permits open the door to more!

Sunshine Coast Council has simplified its Commercial Activity Permit process, introducing two new permit types.

The permits were endorsed at Council’s April 2025 Ordinary Meeting, along with provisions to make the application process easier.

Service Excellence Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said the changes were in response to the growing requests for new activity permits from the community, and small business operators.

“There are many great activities that local business owners can undertake on public land, be it on the coast or hinterland.

“These permits aim to reflect people’s diverse interests and innovative ideas, and benefit our community’s health and wellbeing, as well as contribute to Sunshine Coast’s tourism industry,” Cr Dickson said.

Council’s new activity permits

Emerging Initiative Permit

• Brings people and diverse communities together.
• Activates previously overlooked, community spaces in a new and unique way.
• Supports emerging social, cultural, environmental, and sustainable initiatives.

First Nations Cultural Tourism permit

• Delivers First Nations (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) cultural tourism experiences to locals and visitors.
• Kabi Kabi and Jinibarra tourism operators and groups wanting to promote the region's cultural heritage.

Applying for a Council permit

These new activity permits are now available for application by locals and small business operators.

Permits are issued under Council’s Local Laws and are awarded for either a 12-month or three-year period.

To ensure community safety and that operators run reputable businesses, Council assesses all permit applications to ensure they have:

• public liability insurance
• relevant qualifications and certificates
• any other approvals that may be necessary
• a site map to ensure community use of the public space can be maintained.

Not-for-profit organisations are exempt from application fees related to permits.

The complete list of forms and fact sheets relating to permits and licences, including food premises, commercial use of community land, street performance, temporary accommodation and the new activity permits, can be found on Council’s website.