City Council Committees Convene to Overhaul Busking Rules and Review Local Grants

Sydney Town Hall Hosts Key Committee Sessions on Policy and Culture

The City of Sydney is set for a busy afternoon today, Monday, 16 February 2026, as several high-level committee meetings convene at Town Hall. Councillors are scheduled to discuss a range of items spanning from environmental initiatives to significant updates for the city's street performance sector. These sessions serve as the primary decision-making platform before recommendations are moved to a full Council vote scheduled for later this month.

Proposed Overhaul of Sydney Busking Code

A major highlight of today’s proceedings is the meeting of the Cultural, Creative and Nightlife Committee. The committee is expected to review a proposal for the public exhibition of the amended Busking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Practice Policy. This update aims to modernize the Sydney Busking Code, ensuring that the city’s streets remain a vibrant stage for performers while formally recognizing and respecting the cultural significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practices.

The policy review focuses on streamlining permits for performers and enhancing the visibility of traditional cultural expressions. If approved for public exhibition, the draft will be opened for community feedback, allowing residents, businesses, and performers to weigh in on how the city manages its diverse street-level entertainment and the use of public space for artistic purposes.

Finance and Infrastructure Reviews

The afternoon begins with the Corporate, Finance, Properties and Tenders Committee. On the agenda are critical reviews of current grants and sponsorships. Specifically, the committee will evaluate the Accommodation Grants Program, with a focus on support for organizations like ReadyMade Works Incorporated. These grants are vital for local creative groups that require affordable space to operate within the competitive inner-city property market.

Following these sessions, the Environment and Climate Change Committee and the Transport, Heritage and Planning Committee will meet to discuss ongoing urban development and sustainability targets. These back-to-back sessions allow the Council to manage the technical aspects of city governance, including infrastructure maintenance, heritage preservation, and the implementation of climate resilience strategies.

Wider Government Context

Today's local government activity follows a significant weekend for Sydney politics. On Sunday, Premier Chris Minns confirmed that New South Wales residents will receive an additional public holiday in 2026 to compensate for Anzac Day falling on a Saturday. This move is intended to ensure that the tradition of a day of remembrance is preserved for all workers across the state.

Additionally, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne yesterday celebrated the completion of the $20 million renovation of Henson Park. The upgrade, which includes new female-friendly facilities and media broadcast areas, marks a major milestone in local infrastructure that will benefit both grassroots and professional sports in the Sydney region for years to come.