Busking and street performance

Applications are to be made at least one week prior to the first requested performance. Permits can be applied for a period of one, three, six or twelve months. To apply complete the online busking application form.

Failure to obtain a permit or non-compliance with the permit conditions could result in a breach of the City of Mandurah Local Government Property and Public Places Local Law 2016.
A breach of the local law could result in the permit being revoked and/or an infringement notice being issued.

Busking can be carried out on a local government-controlled area within the Mandurah City Centre and requires a permit. We do not control busking on private property including non-council-controlled areas. Should a busker wish to enter such areas, then a separate arrangement needs to be set between the relevant parties.

Busking zones permitted within the City are identified by floor decals. Examples of the decals can be found in the busking guidelines.

There are four permit categories for busking in the City of Mandurah.

Standard Busking Permit (Blue)

This is a generic busking permit that is issued to acts that are considered low impact, in that they do not require a large amount of space, nor do they engage with passers-by for long periods of time.
Standard Busking Permit Holders are permitted to busk at all blue floor decal locations.

Advanced Busking Permit (Green)

Green permits will be issued to those with a verified level of ability. In the application process, applicants will be required to supply video or audio files of previous performances for consideration.
Advanced Busking Permit Holders will be able to busk in both green and blue floor decal locations.

Circle Show Permit (Yellow)

Yellow permits will be issued to Circle acts and larger group acts that have the potential to gather large crowds, requiring more space, or a higher level of volume than would be acceptable in the low impact spaces. In the application process, applicants will be required to provide evidence to demonstrate the specifics of their performances for consideration.
Circle Show Permit Holders are permitted to busk on the yellow floor decal locations.

Advanced Circle Show Permit (Red)

In line with local laws, this permit will be issued for performances that require individual written approvals. For shows that involve flammable substances, weapons or more than four people, a red permit is required. Applicants for such shows will be required to submit a copy of their public liability insurance. Advanced Circle Show Permit Holders are permitted to busk on the yellow floor decal locations. . Permit holders can request in writing approval to perform on a busking stage at City events. 

• Busking is not allowed during any City of Mandurah events/festivals unless authorised by the City of Mandurah.
• Buskers can perform in any one location for two hours.
• Busking is not permitted between 10pm and 7am.
• The use of amplification during a performance must not create noise levels that adversely impact on the operation of adjacent retail outlets or the enjoyment of the public or surrounding tenants. The volume should be appropriate for an audience viewing the performance from up to five metres away and should not be intrusive above background levels to the degree that a passer-by would need to strain their voice to be heard over the sound.
• All amplifiers used must be battery operated.
• Buskers must perform in the designated locations so as not to impede pedestrian movement or obstruct entrances to shops and buildings.
• Buskers must not use discriminatory/offensive language or behaviour in their performance.
• A busker must not perform wearing dirty or ragged clothing.
• All performances must not include any cruelty to animals.
• The selling of music tapes, recordings, compact discs or merchandise is not permitted unless this is specified in the individual permit.
• All applicants are asked to read these Busking Guidelines and agree to the terms and conditions before a permit is issued. 

All permit holders must agree to all of the terms and conditions of the permit and the busking guidelines on the understanding that failure to obtain a permit or non-compliance with the permit conditions could result in a breach of the City of Mandurah Local Government Property and Public Places Local Law 2016.

A breach of the local law could result in the permit being revoked and/or an infringement notice being issued. 

Any busker under to age of 18 years must have a parent or guardian complete and sign the Parental Consent section of the Application Form. Any busker under the age of 16 must have parent or guardian supervision at all times (including throughout performances). 

A person under the age of 16 years should not perform:

• During school hours
• Between 7.00pm and 6.00am