Permit/Plug/Play Program

Applications are open to all NSW councils, the Lord Howe Island Board, and the Unincorporated Far West Region to apply for funding.  

Eligible applicants are invited to submit one application for funding up to $500,000 (no GST payable).   

Project proposals will not be considered unless they:  

• Identify street locations (two at a minimum) for delivery, that are:
  • Local street/s (owned by council),
  • Situated in a strategic location, urban centre or town centre, and  
  • Accessible to community via public transport.  
• Include plans for new process development or process improvements that enable a simplified approach to temporary road-closures for street-based events.  
• Include plans to evaluate impact of proposed process improvements and enabling place infrastructure through delivery of a street-based event that is accessible via public transport and involves the temporary closure of a street or streets to vehicles. 

Funding may be used for:  

• Design and consultation to understand and define the local problem, which may include consultant fees to undertake community and industry consultation. 
• Streamlining approaches that reduce cost and complexity for temporary road closures for events. 
• Event infrastructure, including the purchase of event equipment. 
• Infrastructure that enables event-ready streets, simplifying and reducing the cost of temporary road closures. 
• Funding of event related costs including event production, leasing of equipment, engaging performers or other creative workers, promotion of the event, provided that: 
  • The event will test improvements delivered through the Program, to support evaluation. 
  • An activation cost exemption request is submitted and approved by Transport for NSW. 
  • The event is inclusive and free for public attendance.  
• Funding of council event delivery staff/personnel, provided that: 
  • Expenses relate directly to the delivery of the event supporting evaluation. 
  • A labour cost exemption request is submitted and approved by Transport for NSW

 Funding cannot be used for:  

• Projects and/or any activities within the project that have either: 
  • Received funding through another NSW Government funding program, or 
  • Applied for funding through another NSW Government funding program that may currently be in consideration. Note: Projects funded under Permit/Plug/Play Pilot Program may be considered for funding if the project can demonstrate significant new and additional project scope. This may include: 
    • new unclassified local roads beyond those identified in approved pilot project plan, 
    • new or enhanced process improvements that are materially different from those included in approved pilot project plan, and 
    • new or enhanced enabling infrastructure that is materially different from infrastructure provision previously approved in pilot project plan. 
• Events or activations to evaluate the project, unless an activation cost exemption request is completed by council and approved by Transport for NSW.  
  • Note: Activation cost exemption cannot be used to offset expenses of an existing or planned activation or event, but can be used to extend on an event (e.g. a daytime event into the night-time). 
• Funding of personnel or staff positions, unless a labour cost exemption request is completed by council and approved by Transport for NSW.   
• Purchase or lease of land or property. 
• Financing costs, including interest and debt financing.   
• Capital expenditure for the purchase of everyday business activities such as office furniture and equipment, motor vehicles, computers, printers and photocopiers, with the exception of equipment specifically related to the project and essential to its success.  
• Costs such as rent and utilities unless specifically related to the project.
• Staff training and development costs not specifically related to the project.     
• Insurance costs (applicants must hold and maintain adequate insurance coverage for any liability arising as a result of their participation in funded activities).   
• Depreciation of plant and equipment beyond the life of the project.   
• Projects that require ongoing funding from the NSW or Australian government.   
• Buying or upgrading equipment that does not specifically relate to the Program objectives and is not essential for the project’s success.   
• Retrospective funding to cover any project component that is already complete/underway before funding offer is made.   

The following projects are ineligible for funding:  

• Projects solely focused on event delivery and/or enabling place infrastructure.  

• Activities that do not directly impact the reduction of cost and complexity of delivering street-based events.  

• Proposals on streets with a regional or state road classification.  

• Projects outside of NSW.