The Local Traffic Committee has approved simplified traffic management for community street events on Newport’s Robertson Road, with the plan aiming to reduce costs and complexity for local organisers.
Committee Approves Simpler Event Plans
At a 4 March 2025 meeting, the committee approved implementing standardised global traffic management plans (TMPs) for four key locations across the Northern Beaches peninsula.
Alongside Newport’s Robertson Road, plans were approved for Kalang Road in Elanora Heights, Orchard Road in Brookvale, and Hilltop Crescent in Fairlight. These pre-approved plans are designed to make temporary road closures for events easier to manage.
Plug & Play Program Explained
These approvals fall under the NSW Government’s ‘Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program’. This $8.5 million scheme involves 17 councils across NSW, including Northern Beaches Council, which received up to $500,000. The program encourages councils to identify three to five streets where processes for holding street events can be streamlined.
It aims to make organising events cheaper and less complicated, support local businesses and community groups, and bring more vibrancy to local streets. This pilot is part of a larger $34 million state government investment called the ‘Vibrant Streets Package’.
Focus on Newport’s Robertson Road
The approved plan for Newport centres on the Robertson Road shopping area. It allows for the closure of Robertson Road, between Barrenjoey Road and Foamcrest Avenue, for community events hosting up to 1,000 attendees.
These events would typically run between 11:30 am and 5:00 pm. During such closures, 11 short-term angled parking spaces (including one disabled space) and a loading bay would be unavailable. Access to several properties and the Australia Post car park would also be affected.
However, Council notes there are over 500 alternative parking spaces within 350 metres, and the area is accessible by walking, cycling, and public transport, with no impact on bus routes. A detour via Coles Parade and Foamcrest Avenue will be signposted. This approval is seen as progress for efforts over several years to enhance the use of this public space.
Other Approved Locations
Similar plans were approved for three other locations:
- Elanora Heights: Kalang Road (Powderworks Rd to St Andrews Gate) can host up to 3,000 people. The closure impacts 46 parking spots and the Dan Murphy’s carpark and requires a detour for the 182 bus route.
- Brookvale: Orchard Road (Mitchell Ave to Charlton Ln) in the industrial area can accommodate large events up to 20,000 people. It affects 44 parking spaces, but alternative parking and transport options are available. Bus routes are not affected.
- Fairlight: Hilltop Crescent (Sydney Rd to Woods Parade) can host events up to 500 attendees, affecting 12 short-term parking spots without impacting bus routes.
Streamlining Events for the Community
A key benefit highlighted in Council’s meeting agenda is that event organisers using these pre-approved plans will not need to develop new, specific traffic strategies for each community street events within the approved parameters. This significantly reduces paperwork and costs, particularly for community-run events. The approved global TMPs will be valid for the next five years, unless significant changes are needed.
Consultation and Next Steps
Before any event closures, the Council stated that local residents and businesses would be notified via letterbox drops, website updates, press releases, and social media. Affected bus companies, local Police, and emergency services would also be informed.
The Brookvale and Fairlight plans require final approval from Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and a Road Occupancy License. Funding for implementing these plans comes from the NSW Government grant, subject to TfNSW approval. The changes are expected to be implemented within 12 months of approval.
Published Date 24-April-2025
