The policy was developed in response to an increasing number of commercial activities at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council-managed headlands, parks, beaches, gardens and public spaces.

The Commercial Activities on Council-managed Land Policy review included submissions, feedback from temporary licence holders and internal engagement.

One of the submissions, which was supportive of the policy, wanted to ensure all revenue was allocated to the rehabilitation and enhancement of the public space and noted the council should promote where the revenue was spent. 

The council made an inclusion to the policy under the licence fees and charges section.

It said all revenue, excluding application fees, would be reinvested in the maintenance and improvement of public spaces impacted by this policy and the council would communicate the expenditure plan on an annual basis.

Businesses covered in the policy include surf schools, personal trainers, boot camps, adventure tour operators and kayak hire.

A report to the April council meeting said the policy was developed to support and encourage the sustainable use of council-managed land for commercial purposes.

“The aim was to develop a policy which balances the interests of local business, the community and council,” the report said.

The changes, as a result of the review, are considered to be low impact and are principally administrative in nature. 

The policy contained a commitment to undertake a review 12 months after the policy’s adoption.

The policy was adopted in late 2015.