Commercial use of open space

Find out how to use Council land for commercial business on the Central Coast

Using public land for commercial activities

To support a vibrant, inclusive and active community, we allow certain commercial activities on public land – including beaches, parks and reserves – where they enhance community use and encourage healthy lifestyles.

Activities such as fitness classes, surf schools and dog training can be licensed if they suit the purpose of the space and have minimal impact on the environment and community.

Examples of appropriate activities include:

Canoe, kayak and paddleboats
Coaching and clinics
Corporate group training
Dog obedience classes
Personal training, fitness groups and bootcamp operators
Stand up paddle board school
Surf schools (including elite level)

Temporary licensing

If you want to run a business on Council-managed land, you’ll need a temporary licence. This helps us make sure the activity is safe, benefits the community and protects the environment.

Licences are available for 6 or 12 months, with associated fees and conditions.

Before applying, please ensure you have the following documents ready. These help us confirm your activity is safe, responsible and suitable for public spaces:

Accreditation or relevant qualifications
Public liability insurance
Risk management plan
Environmental hazard assessment

How to apply

The EOI period for 2025-26 has now closed. Applications may still be considered throughout the year, but this is not guaranteed. If you’d like to enquire about a licence, please email openspacebookings@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

The EOI period for the 2026-27 financial year will open in March 2026, with application details to be released early 2026. To stay updated on EOI opening dates and requirements, register via Bookable.

Register via Bookable

Please note that Bookable account verification is not automatic.

We will assess and manually verify your request which may take up to 48 hours. You won’t be able to log in or make a booking until your account has been approved.

Once verified, you’ll receive an email notification confirming your access.

Things to consider:

Only one (1) EOI may be submitted per location
An annual licence period is from 1 July to 30 June
Each activity has its own form, cost and guidelines
Application fee is per submission and is payable upon approval of application and prior to execution of the licence agreement
Licence fee is per location and is payable upon approval of application and prior to execution of the licence agreement.

Guidelines for conducting various commercial activities

If you are a personal trainer or commercial outdoor fitness trainer and would like to conduct sessions for group fitness or personal training in the Central Coast LGA, you will require consent to conduct your activities.

Guidelines | Location and fees
If you are a commercial surf school instructor and you would like to conduct learn to surf sessions in the Central Coast LGA, you will require consent to conduct your activities.
Guidelines | Location and fees
If you are a canoe, kayak or and paddleboat operator and would like to conduct activities in the Central Coast LGA, you will require consent to conduct your activities.
Guidelines | Location and fees
If you are a stand-up paddleboard operator and would like to conduct activities in the Central Coast LGA, you will require consent to conduct your activities.
Guidelines | Location and fees
This licence covers structured group training, coaching or professional development activities in public open spaces, delivered by qualified instructors for employees, teams, clients or corporate groups.
Examples include fitness bootcamps, well-being programs, team-building sessions, sports clinics and other organised, fee-based training.
Follow Council’s guidelines and secure pre-approval for your preferred site, time and activity.
Guidelines | Location and fees
If you are a dog obedience instructor and you would like to conduct dog obedience training in the Central Coast LGA, you will require consent to conduct your activities.
Guidelines