Under the draft policy, market operators are required to collaborate with Council, local residents, the business community and other agencies to ensure consideration is given to the physical space markets occupy and the people and businesses surrounding them.

The policy relates to all regular markets taking place throughout the MidCoast region, on Council owned land, or Council controlled public land – including farmers markets.

Festivals and ‘one-off’ community based events and fundraisers such as annual markets and fetes occurring once a year, along with markets taking place on private land, will be excluded from this policy. They may, however, be subject to a separate approval process such as a Special Event or Development Application.

The policy has been placed on public exhibition and community feedback is welcome.

“Markets contribute socially, culturally and economically to our region,” council’s Coordinator of Economic Development and Events, Robyn Brennan said.

“Most are run by volunteers and help support a range of great community causes.

“We hope the new policy will assist by providing a consistent approach to managing regular markets across the region, clearly outlining requirements about the use of our public spaces and supporting market organisers to run a successful event for the benefit of the whole community.”

For further information head to Council’s website www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say where you can view the document and provide feedback until 2 January, 2019.