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. Other commercial activities include:
- Canoe, kayak and paddleboats
- Coaching and clinics
- Corporate group training
- Personal training, fitness groups and bootcamp operators
- Stand up paddle board school
- Surf schools
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
EOIs for the 2026-27 financial year were open from Monday 16 March to Sunday 10 May 2026 but have now closed.
Please read and understand these application guidelines before applying.
If you have any questions, please contact openspacebookings@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
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 and fees for conducting various commercial activities
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Need more help?
For all enquiries regarding Commercial Business Use, call Customer Service on 02 4306 7900 or email openspacereservebookings@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.