Amusement Devices

Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires the prior approval of Council to be obtained for the installation and operation of specific amusement devices.

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Do all amusement rides require Council approval?

No. Regulation 75 of the Local Government General Regulation 2021 exempts ‘small amusement devices’ from the need for approval.

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What is a small amusement device? 

A Small Amusement Device is defined in the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 as “an amusement device that is designed primarily for the use of children 12 years of age and under and includes such amusement devices as mini-Ferris wheels, battery operated cars and miniature railways but in the case of rotating amusement devices, includes only those devices that have a maximum rotation of 14 revolutions per minute.” 

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How do I gain approval?

The owner/operator of the device will need to lodge an Application to Operate an Amusement Device form located on Council's website at least 6 weeks prior to the event.

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What information does the device owner/operator need to supply?

• certificate of currency for public liability insurance (minimum $20 million)
• certificate of registration for the device
• current logbook for the device (detailing recent usage and annual inspection). Logbooks must be of a standard equal to, or greater than the Australian standard.

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What information does the event organiser need to supply?

• certification from a qualified structural engineer that the ground on which the device is to be erected is sufficiently firm to sustain the device while it is in operation and will not be dangerous because of its slope or irregularity or for any other reason
• that the device is capable of resisting loads identified within the Australian standards
• certificate of currency for professional indemnity insurance for the engineering firm (minimum $5 million).

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How long does it take to approve the application?

Up to six weeks (as long as all the required documentation requested is supplied in its correct form). Applications should be lodged six weeks before the planned event to ensure there is sufficient time for the address of issues and applications to be processed.

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Does the amusement device have a current inspection report?

SafeWorkNSW requires a detailed inspection to be carried out every 12 months by a competent person such as a chartered professional engineer or a person on the National Professional Engineers register. The event organiser should ensure that the inspection report is current for the duration of the event.

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Do inflatable devices also require approval?

Inflatable devices with a platform (the surface customers stand on) less than 3 metres high may be installed without Council approval if:

• the device is erected in accordance with manufacture’s requirements and the event organiser’s insurance noting that inflatable devices are covered by their insurance, or 
• the owner of the inflatable device erects the device, and remains on site with the device for the entire period that it is installed and operated. The event organiser must sight and obtain a copy of the ride owner’s insurance. 

A copy of the owner’s Certificate of Currency (minimum $20 million) must be submitted to Council for approval at least 14 days prior to the event. 

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Further information

Please contact Council's Events Support Officer, ph 1300 864 444.