Holding a peaceful assembly

Council acknowledges residents' right to conduct a 'peaceful assembly' and that the Esplanade is a common location for these activities.  The guidelines below support organisations with conducting a harmonious event.  You can also download a copy of our Peaceful Assembly guidelines ( PDF, 2.65 MB ).

To hold a peaceful assembly on Council-controlled land (including parks, reserves, foreshores and the Esplanade parklands) you must abide by the requirements of the Peaceful Assembly Act 1992.

Before conducting a Peaceful Assembly

You must notify the Queensland Police Service (QPS) of your intention to hold a peaceful assembly. Download and submit the Notice of Intention to hold a Public Assembly form (PDF).

You must also notify Council if your proposed assembly will be held in or pass through Council-managed public space (eg a park, reserve, pedestrian mall, square or other public place where Council has jurisdiction in relation to the place).  Once you have approval from QPS, please email it to Council via the following:

• for public spaces outside of the Esplanade - email to council@cairns.qld.gov.au
• for spaces on the Cairns Esplanade - email to leisurevenues@cairns.qld.gov.au

Note: You may be subject to fees and charges for venue spaces depending on the type of Public Assembly you wish to hold. You may be asked to submit a booking enquiry.

Organising your Peaceful Assembly (preferred locations)

The maps below show Council’s preferred locations for conducting a peaceful assembly and/or the commencement of any march or procession. These locations have been selected due to the following:

• general size and location
• availability of toilets and other amenities
• good pedestrian access and vehicle parking
• unlikely to be privately hired

During a Peaceful Assembly

When holding a peaceful assembly on the Esplanade please note the following requirements, which are in place for the safety and enjoyment of all Esplanade users.

• Do not drive your vehicle onto the parklands (unless you have prior permission from Council). Fines and vehicle removal may apply.
• Only park in designated parking spaces (on-street and off-street car parks). Do not park on the parklands. Parking fines apply for illegal parking and your vehicle may be removed.
• Be respectful of other Esplanade users, nearby residents and businesses, especially in respect to language and amplification of music or speeches
• Keep your dog on a lead. Please note, dogs are not allowed in the CBD bounded by Aplin, Wharf and McLeod streets and the Esplanade parklands in this zone. This includes the Lagoon and surrounds and Fogarty Park. Dogs are also prohibited in playgrounds. (See map on right.)
• Smoking, consumption of alcohol and glass containers are prohibited in and around the Lagoon.

Parking

• parking is free in the CBD after 2pm on Saturdays and free on Sundays. This includes the Lake Street multi-storey carpark, but excludes the southern Esplanade (Pier/Lagoon) carpark.
• parking is usually available on Abbott and Lake Streets
• For assemblies of greater than 2,000 persons, Council may give consideration to enacting overflow parking on the Northern Event Lawn (north of the Esplanade Skate Park). This is subject to prior approval by delegated Council officers and weather permitting. If activated, this area will be managed by Council officers.