In the majority of instances, no bookings are required for use of Council parks and reserves. You can hold events such as BBQs, family and social gatherings, birthday parties and informal group exercise without needing to book a park. Facilities such as playgrounds, BBQs, picnic shelters, gazebos and fitness equipment are free for public use on a shared basis and cannot be reserved. If you are considering one of our parks for your event, formally booking a park is the best way to determine if other booked events are planned at the same park at the same time. However, please note booking a park does not grant exclusive use of public space.

You need to apply for permission to use a park for:

• Commercial activities
• Social and community welfare outreach services
• Fundraising or promotional activities or events
• Fun runs, cross country and orienteering events
• Use of any temporary structures
• Distributing or handing out any notices, literature or promotional materials
• Affixing or posting any bills or placards
• Filming and photography for commercial purposes
• Use of electricity or other utility
• Activities that may impact the park, park users or neighbouring properties
• Activities involving animals, other than walking domestic pets on a leash

Public Liability Insurance (PLI) will be applicable for certain types of events and activities or if there is a risk to public health and safety. You can find the Standard Terms and Conditions for Use of Council Parks here.

Applications must be completed in full, with all necessary documents provided (including Public Liability Insurance where applicable) and submitted to Council no later than two (2) weeks prior to the event for small scale events, and six (6) weeks prior for larger scale events. Once you have read all the information available through the Using Our Parks page, including the Standard Terms and Conditions for Use of Council Parks (PDF 242.1KB), complete the Use of Council Parks Application (PDF 333.7KB) and submit to Council noting the above timeline and document requirements. Failure to supply all necessary documents will delay the processing of your application.

Public liability insurance (PLI) will be required for certain types of events or activities. The application form outlines instances where PLI is required, noting Council may also request PLI if there is a potential risk to public health and safety.

Where PLI is a requirement, it must:

• be included with your application before any submission can be assessed
• be in the name of the applicant for the event
• have a minimum cover of $20 million
• cover the dates of the event
• be held with an insurance company licensed to operate in Australia
• may require Southern Downs Regional Council nominated as an interested party on the policy

Permission is required to carry out a commercial activity in a Council park. Commercial activity refers to activities, products, or spaces designed primarily to generate profit through the buying and selling of goods or services, or for the purposes of promotion. This includes activities conducted by a community or not-for-profit organisation for fundraising purposes.

A park activity is considered commercial if it:

• involves the exchange of goods or services for a fee or other consideration
• is undertaken for the purposes of advertisement, promotion or furtherance of business

Common commercial activities include:

• events with goods and services for sale, such as markets, fetes and fairs
• fundraising or promotional activities or events
• ticketed events (concerts, festivals and outdoor movies)
• health, well-being and life skills classes
• filming and photography for commercial purposes, including student activities
• fun runs, cross country, orienteering and other sport, recreation, leisure and music events for paying or non-paying participants, including school and education-based activities

Southern Downs has a range of recreational parks which can be utilised for private functions and small, intimate weddings. Formally booking your nominated park is the best way to determine if another booked event is taking place at the same time, noting facilities such as playgrounds, fitness equipment, BBQs, gazebos, shelters, picnic areas and open space are free for public use on a shared basis and cannot be reserved. Photographs or videography do not require a booking or permit, however, please be mindful of and respect the privacy of other park users, including children. We do not permit wedding receptions in parks, however, there are many ideal reception venues throughout the region.

Please note, in the majority of instances, no bookings are required for use of Council parks and reserves. You can hold events such as BBQs, family and social gatherings, birthday parties and informal group exercise without needing to book a park.

In accordance with Queensland State Law (Liquor Act 1992), consumption of liquor in a public place is prohibited. If you plan to have alcohol at your event, regardless of whether you supply, sell or consume it, you must check with the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) to determine any licence requirements. Please visit OLGR for further details. You can also find additional information on liquor and wine licence requirements at Liquor | Business Queensland, including for events.

Metal detecting activities are not permitted.