Sydney Council Reverses Controversial Ban Amid Public Outcry: What It Means for Residents

A wave of Sydney street performers, including singer Ula Venckus, known as Ūla, have expressed their frustration over what they describe as “crazy” new restrictions.

Venckus, who has established her career through busking in the city’s central business district, is concerned that these extensive reforms could severely impact buskers both financially and professionally.

“Many older musicians and buskers rely on performing in Sydney’s CBD as their main source of income,” Venckus shared with nine.com.au. “For them, it’s like being suddenly laid off without any prior notice or reason.”

The revised code, developed with input from the busking community, introduces significant changes, such as lifting the ban on busking along much of George Street in Sydney’s CBD.

The updated code proposal was developed in consultation with buskers and includes several major changes, like rolling back the ban on busking along much of George Street in Sydney’s CBD.

The sites could be used between 11am and 10pm, reduced from the previous 8am to 10pm hours, and performances were limited to one hour.

Venckus issued a plea to the City to reconsider the George Street rules.

“I built my career and my entire life off of busking on those George Street corners,” she said at the time.

“Without having the opportunity to do that, I honestly would not be anywhere near where I am right now.”

Busking within five metres of intersections, pedestrian crossings, or light rail tracks was also banned and the number of busking sites at Pitt Street Mall was cut.

Now, many of the unpopular rules laid out in October have been scrapped or revised.

In the new draft code, busking is permitted on George Street except for three locations which have raised safety concerns or impacts for residents.

“Low impact acts” may busk for two hours per day on George Street and “extended duration acts” can perform for up to eight hours.

Two busking pitches have also been reinstated in Pitt Street Mall for low-impact acts, and the five-metre rule has been rolled back.

Buskers must only ensure their pitch and audience “does not block access” to the entry or exit of any building, street, pedestrian crossing, public transport node, carpark or thoroughfare.

They are advised to perform at least five metres from light rail tracks for safety reasons.

The updated code is open for public feedback from today until April 7 and is expected to be back with council for formal adoption in May.

“Having heard loudly and clearly buskers want more space and flexibility, we flipped the script so buskers can perform wherever they want,” Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“With a few exceptions we’re asking they respectfully avoid.”

Moore also said council is working with the NSW government to bring state government busking rules in line with the city’s new approach.

The City of Sydney is also developing an online, interactive version of the busking code buskers will be able to access on their phones.

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