Council secures $500,000 for Street Event Improvements

Published on 29 June 2026

Clarence Valley Council is one of 24 NSW councils to be granted $500,000 under the NSW Government’s Permit/Plug/Play Program, led by Transport for NSW.

The initiative aims to make street-based events easier and more cost effective to deliver by simplifying approval processes, improving internal workflows and investing in essential place-based infrastructure to support vibrant, community-focused events.

General Manager Laura Black said the funding will allow Council to review its current event approval processes and develop key event infrastructure.

"This funding will allow us to take a strategic, whole-of-council approach to delivering events, reviewing and streamlining our approval processes, improving internal workflows, and creating clear, consistent procedures. This will make it easier for events to be delivered,” she said.

“We also plan to invest in critical infrastructure, including traffic management equipment and electrical upgrades, to support safer, more efficient, and vibrant street activations.

“Importantly, this program will help us empower event organisers through practical tools, better planning, and data-driven insights that support future opportunities."

The funding will focus on three council-owned road sites, with proposed locations including Skinner Street in South Grafton, Coldstream Street in Yamba, and Centenary Drive in Maclean. A special event is planned for delivery in Skinner Street, South Grafton, in 2027.

“This is about removing barriers and creating more opportunities for our community to come together. By streamlining approvals, upgrading infrastructure, and providing better tools for organisers, we’re making it easier to deliver safe, high-quality events in our streets and public spaces,” Ms Black said.

The Permit/Plug/Play Program forms part of the NSW Government’s Vibrant Streets Package, which is an over $40 million investment to revitalise streets into thriving local places that support communities, boost local businesses, and energise the creative sector.

This isn’t the first time the Clarence Valley area has benefited from NSW Government initiatives led by Transport for NSW. The successful Prince Street upgrade project, Rediscover Grafton, was funded through the Streets as Shared Spaces Program in 2022. This was followed by five free community street events funded through the Open Streets Program in 2024, and the completion of the Yamba Community Improvement Districts pilot project in 2025.

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