Events near or on the water | City of Greater Geelong

Things to consider when planning your event

Events near or on the water

If you are planning to stage your event near or on a waterway, beach or swimming pool, then there are several risk factors that you need to consider.

Some rivers in the Geelong region are prone to flooding after heavy rain falls. You should have a contingency plan for an alternate venue if the site is near a river.

Your risk management plan should also note this as a risk and one of the monitoring procedures should be to go to the Bureau of Meteorolog website and look under the warnings tab for Rainfall and Rivers.

If the event is taking place near a dam river or beach the site should be assessed against the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Guidelines for Recreational Use of Water.

Environment Protection Agency (EPA)

If a water based event is proposed for any beach or bay location in particular the Geelong Waterfront the bacterial water quality must be monitored to ensure compliance with the EPA standards.

Water permits

Any on water activity (including fireworks and exclusion zones) on Corio Bay require a Parks Victoria or Victorian Regional Channels Authority event permit. Applications may incur fees and advertising requirements.

Parks Victoria require applications to be submitted at least 10 weeks prior to your event date. Victorian Regional Channels Authority require applications to be submitted at least 7 days prior to your event date.

For further information visit:

Parks Victorias Events and Films permits or email (events@parks.vic.gov.au) your event documentation.

Victorian Regional Channels Authority Aquatic events or email admin@vrca.vic.gov.au

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Fire management and prevention

The management of fire is an important element to manage for any event.

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Lost property at events

At any event, there are bound to be items 'lost' or 'found'!

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Working with children at events

In 2006 the Victorian Government introduced a new checking system to help protect children under 18 years of age from physical or sexual harm.

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Helicopters and events

Planning an event where helicopters are either required or desired can be challenging.

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Extreme weather and events

Your risk management plan needs to address 'weather' and what procedures are in place on the event day in the event of extreme weather.

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Gas safety for events

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is the fuel used by many catering vendors for heating and cooling purposes.

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Handling and storage of fuel at events

You must comply with the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and other relevant Australian Standards for handling and storing fuel at your event.

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Power management at events

You need to manage power for you event site - to ensure you have an adequate supply and that all uses of power are appropriately managed.

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Fireworks, pyrotechnics and Worksafe at events

If you propose using fireworks or any form of pyrotechnics at your event, there are a number of steps you need to be aware of including detailing the management of these activities in your risk management plan.

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Understanding risk management for events

No matter the nature or size of your event, your event will have risks and hazards. It is your responsibility as the event organiser, to identify and manage these.

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Developing your event Risk Assessment

A risk management plan is a document that identifies and specifies an approach required to manage risks associated with your event.

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Insurance requirements for events

Event organisers must provide insurance and complete a Form of Indemnity, in addition to developing a risk assessment and risk management plan.

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Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for events

Any risks defined as part of your event's risk assessment as ‘High Risk Construction Work’ and undertaken by a contractor require a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).

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Public protection for event sites

It is your responsibility as event organiser to provide a site that is safe for the public, event staff, volunteers and contractors at all stages of the event.

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Constructions, structures and the Victorian Regulations

Some event sites may be deemed ‘construction sites’ which means you must meet Victorian Construction Regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations 2007.

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Safely managing smaller structures at events

All structures no matter how big or how small, need to be safely secured. An umbrella can, if not become airborne in windy conditions if it is not properly secured.

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Stages and platforms

Stages and platforms are relatively common at events. It is important to understand your obligations as the event organiser for the construction of your stage and/or platform.

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Inflatable land-based devices at events

Jumping castles or inflatable land-borne devices are a popular addition to parties, school fetes, sporting activities, community festivals and events.