Byron Shire Council proposes stricter busking restrictions on back of meteoric rise of local street performer Tones and I

Byron council is planning to put more restrictions on busking, including insurance. It follows the rise of former local street performers, including global superstar Tones and I.

Tones and I busking in Byron Bay.

Byron council plans to place more restrictions on busking in the shire after the rise of former local street performers, including global singer-songwriter superstar Tones and I.

The Australian singer, Toni Watson, started out busking on Byron Bay’s streets before becoming an award-winning pop star with her hit single Dance Monkey in 2019.

The proposed changes may provide less opportunities for aspiring artists to follow the same trajectory.

Dylan Johnstone, Byron Shire Council’s development investigations lead, put forward recommended changes to the council on the current busking policy.

Byron Bay CBD.

Recommendations include banning busking at two sites on Jonson St, restrictions on times and performing groups being limited to four members.

Alternative busking locations proposed include Apex Park, Railway Park and Byron Visitor Centre.

Buskers would also have to obtain public liability insurance of a minimum of $20 million to secure the council against any liability.

Additionally, concerns have been raised about “large speaker systems and busking in non-designated areas”.

It could result in “restriction of amplified busking” to “specified hours and at designated sites”, and performers would not be able to “be repetitive in nature”.

They may also be required to submit an ID photograph when making an application for a permit and to display the photo while busking, so council officers can identify them.

The Walrus and the Carpenter at a Byron Bay busking competition. Busking has been popular in the town for years. Picture: Patrick Gorbunov

At Thursday’s meeting, councillor Cate Coorey spoke against the changes during tough economic times.

“It’s punitive. It’s coming at a time where busters are already stretched for cash,” she said.

“I noticed the requirement that buskers have public liability insurance up to $20 million and I thought it seemed a little unusual.

Byron Shire councillor Cate Coorey described the proposed changes as “punitive”.

“I looked through several other cities, jurisdictions and lower government areas (policies) and I couldn’t find anywhere where buskers were asked to hold that.”

Councillors placed the draft policy on exhibition for a minimum 28 days.

“We’ll throw it to the community who actually use these spaces and let them tell us what they think. I’m sure they will in numbers,” Ms Coorey said.

Buskers in Byron Bay.

Some Byron residents have taken to social media, unhappy about the proposal.

A worker said she has been employed in town for 24 years and the Beach Hotel and Great Northern Pub were noisier than any busker.

“Seriously, can we make Byron any more boring than what it’s become?” she posted on Facebook.

“ … everything that made Byron interesting, unique and diverse is being banned, pulled down or stripped away.”