Terms and Conditions for Casual Park Bookings

Where Council receives more than one application for use, residents of Maribyrnong City Council and organisations based within Maribyrnong City Council will be given priority.

Casual park bookings are made for functions that coincide with general park usage such as BBQs, Picnics, Family or club gatherings etc (weddings fall under casual park bookings).  These shall not affect the casual public use of the park or reserve.

Individual/Family

A private activity is conducted purely for social or recreation purposes by an individual or group and will have no commercial aspect eg family parties/picnic etc. 

Business/Corporate Functions

A business / corporate function is conducted purely for social or recreation purposes by an individual or organisation and will have no commercial aspect eg business staff parties/picnics etc.

A community activity is a not for profit, non fee charging activity open to the community, serving a particular local community or local organisation needs or interests eg school fetes, walkathons, community fairs.  Community activities must provide public liability cover.

Some community activities may require an Event Permit.  For further information contact Council’s Recreation Development Officer on 9688 0304.

Wedding ceremonies

A booking must be made for any wedding ceremony.  A maximum of one wedding ceremony may be held per day in any specific area.  Confetti is not permitted, but rice and rose petals will be accepted.  Wedding ceremonies are limited to no more than 150 people.

Wedding Photography

No formal booking is required and no charge applies.

A commercial activity is initiated for commercial gain and could include festivals, theatrical performances, farmers markets or sporting activities aimed at attracting visitors and/or for which fees are charged.

Similarly, a commercial activity includes any organisation or individual using a public park in order to deliver a product from which that organisation will derive income or profit.

Payment can be made by cash, credit card, cheque or money order made payable to Maribyrnong City Council.  Cash and credit card payments can only be made in person over the counter from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

Bookings will be assessed on receipt of a completed application form.  A letter of acknowledgement will be forwarded to the applicant with payment details attached.

Bookings will not be confirmed until full payment is received.  Payment must be forwarded to Council within 14 days of notice of receipt of application.

Once a booking is confirmed, cancellations will only be accepted in writing.

No refunds will be issued for cancellations that are received less than 14 days prior to the function.  Cancellations received in writing 15 days or more prior to the function will receive a 75% refund.

No refunds are given if the booking is not used due to inclement weather.

The organiser is required to be covered for public liability insurance to the minimum value of $20 million.

For certain activities Council may supply the required public liability insurance for the duration of a casual park booking.  This cover is limited to bookings that are attended by a group known to the hirer such as a wedding, club or family gathering.

Any bookings that advertise to the wider community can not be covered by this policy.  This policy is limited in its coverage.

The applicant agrees to indemnify and to keep indemnified, and to hold harmless Council, its servants and agents, and each of them from and against all actions, costs, claims, charges, expenses, penalties, demands and damages whatsoever which may be brought or made or claimed against them, or any of them, in connection with the applicant’s performance or purported performance of its obligations under this agreement, except to the extent that Council is negligent.

The applicant uses and occupies the Reserve/Park at its own risk and releases the Council from all claims resulting from any damage, loss, death or injury in connection with the Reserve/Park except to the extent that the Council is negligent.

Additional cleaning/ reinstatement costs that exceed normal levels of regular maintenance of parks and reserves arising from a casual park booking will be charged to hirer or taken out of bond moneys if applicable.

Hirers are to leave the park or reserve as they found it.  A charge will be incurred for excessive amounts of rubbish left.

Security bonds may be requested by Council based on the size, nature, location and past history of casual park bookings.

The hirer is to identify any risk in the park and ensure that the area is safe before use.  The applicant is responsible for the safety and well being of guests attending their activity. 

The hirer should notify Council of any situations or damage that require maintenance to be carried out.

If the issue or problem needs to be attended to immediately, Council’s Out of Hours service should be contacted on 9688 0200.

Jumping castles, marquees, amusements, animal farms or activities or structures requiring a sub contractor’s service are not allowed within the park/gardens/reserve.

Reasonable noise levels that do not adversely affect other park users or neighbouring residents must be maintained.

Specific limitations of 72 decibels may be applied for long periods of amplification.

Any damage to Council property including grass, trees, shrubs, garden beds, facilities or ornamental structures must be repaired or reinstated at the hirer’s cost.

Any instructions given by authorised Council officers, police, fire department or other emergency services must be adhered to.

Permits are required for the selling of food and alcohol within Council owned parks or reserves.  Contact Council to be advised further.

Activities are to take place during day light hours which includes the set up and pack up and must not exceed four (4) hours.  Not to begin prior to 8am unless otherwise authorised by council.

No structure is to be placed within 3 metres of any tree.  No decorations, ropes or other materials are to be in contact with trees or shrubs.

Only gas operated BBQs and roasting appliances to be used.  Not to be used within 15 feet of any foliage.

Protective matting must be used on grassed surfaces.  No hot coals are allowed.

Permit is required to conduct filming within Council owned parks or reserves.  Contact Council to be advised further.

Bookings will not be made more than six (6) months in advance.