City of Sydney calls for feedback on new busking rules

The City of Sydney is calling for public feedback on its new busking policy.

It opens up busking opportunities in more city locations and replace complex guidelines with clearer guidance to encourage more diversity in Sydney’s busking culture.

As part of the new policy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will no longer need a busking permit to practice their cultures in public spaces managed by the City.

Lord mayor Clover Moore said the new policy was developed after broad consultation.

“Busking adds life and soul to a city and makes our public spaces more interesting and creative,” she said.

“We’ve developed the policy with the help of musicians, performers, residents, businesses, music industry representatives and government agencies, and we’ve learned from the world’s best busking cities.”

She added: “Our new policy also recognises the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to experience and share their cultural heritage in the public domain.”

The permits classify busking performances depending on their duration and level of impact on surroundings.

Acts will be classified under three categories:

• Low impact: soloists or small groups using a performance space under two square metres.
• High impact: acts that require a larger space or use higher-risk equipment or materials, or generate a louder or more repetitive type of sound. 
• Extended duration: human statues or pavement artists creating works over a longer timeframe.

Where appropriate, the City will work with landholders and neighbouring councils to provide buskers with the opportunity to perform in new places.

“Opening up more locations across the city will reduce the pressure on the most popular, high-traffic busking locations and attract performers to new locations,” the lord mayor said.

“This will reduce competition, increase access and bring more variety to acts taking place at popular locations.”

The local approvals policy for busking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practice is on public exhibition until October 29.

The City encourages locals, buskers, businesses and anyone with an interest in the busking policy to provide feedback at sydneyyoursay.com.au.