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1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework to manage street parties in the municipality in a beneficial and equitable manner.

The policy, and its associated procedures, is to guide:

  • street party organisers in holding a street party in the City of Boroondara
  • Our officers in assessing street party applications.

1.2 Scope

The policy provides relevant criteria for assessing street party applications that:

  • support community connections.
  • promote a safe environment for all users.

 2. Background

A street party is a social event held outdoors in a street, organised by and for local residents.

Street parties give opportunities to residents to increase familiarity with their neighbours and create a sense of community. By becoming more familiar with one another, neighbours are creating an environment that encourages people to look out for one another, along with the potential to initiate, or join in on, enjoyable social exchanges.

The benefits of an increased sense of community include:

  • improved sense of safety and security
  • friendliness within the local neighbourhood
  • getting to know neighbours by name
  • opportunities for occasional conversations
  • opportunities to swap holiday mail collection and pet minding
  • having someone nearby to call in an emergency.

There are also health benefits. Living in a friendly community is not only more enjoyable, research suggests it is also good for health. It might be that developing a sense of community in a street could assist someone who is currently feeling isolated.

We recognise these social and health benefits attributed to residential street parties and support them through permitting residential street parties.

2.1 Legislative context

Road Safety Act (1986) outlines our responsibility to provide for safe, efficient and equitable road use. The Act also sets out the general obligations of road users in relation to responsible road use.

Road Management Act (2004) outlines our responsibility as a road authority to manage and maintain the municipal road network and any part of an arterial road not used by through traffic (excluding freeways). The Act outlines roads are to be managed in a manner which minimises any adverse effect on the safe and efficient operation of the road and on the environment. We have a duty of care to manage the type of traffic that can be reasonably expected to use roads of different character.

Local Government Act (1989) outlines our powers and responsibility to construct, maintain and manage roads including traffic and parking.

2.2 Corporate framework

The policy aligns with the Council Plan key themes of ‘Strong and Engaged Communities’ and ‘Enhanced Amenity’ to meet our community's future needs.

This policy supports the Council Plan through:

  • Community inclusion: We will monitor and plan for the community’s changing needs, aspirations and opportunities to contribute to community life.
  • Parking, traffic and transport: We will respond effectively and efficiently to community needs on parking, traffic and appropriate transport issues.

 3. Policy statement

We have a mandate to manage traffic on municipal roads. It is policy that:

  • we will manage temporary road closures in keeping with the outlined principles.
  • The Chief Executive Officer or his or her delegate will develop procedures for street parties within the municipality.

3.1 Principles

Notwithstanding our legislative responsibilities and strategies, this policy is guided by the following principles:

  • Principle 1 - Promote a safe, accessible and sustainable road and street environment for all users.
  • Principle 2 - Recognise the health and social benefits attributed to a residential street party and support the event in line with this policy.
  • Principle 3 - Recognise that our streets are a shared resource that must support the safe and effective delivery of private street parties.
  • Principle 4 - Engage key stakeholders regarding the event and any temporary road closure.

 4. Implementation and monitoring

4.1 Accountabilities

The Civic Services team coordinates the implementation and review of this Policy, ensuring that:

  • the policy is made available on this website and hard copies at Council offices and libraries
  • stakeholders are aware of their accountabilities
  • the community is informed of this policy.

For queries or feedback regarding this policy, please contact Civic Services on:

4.2 Financial implications

We are responsible for installing and removing the road closure signage and barriers associated with street parties. The cost will be borne by operational budgets.

5. References

5.1 Related documents

  • Road Safety Act 1986
  • Local Government Act 1989
  • Road Management Act 2004
  • Boroondara Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-17
  • Community Engagement Policy 2015.

This policy was authorised by Council and adopted on 13 November 2017.

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