There have been a lot of news reports and social media posts about our updated Sydney busking code.
These reports have understandably raised concerns among our busking community.
We haven’t banned busking in Sydney and want to provide some clarity about the revisions to the code.
In the interest of safety and shared use of space, we have introduced designated areas for performances on George Street. We’re reviewing these designations to see whether we can increase the number of busking opportunities along the light rail corridor, but this may not be possible given safety concerns and the needs of the broader community.
Why do we have a busking code?
We strongly support buskers and the colour and vibrancy they bring to our city, but we also need to balance the entire community's right to use our public spaces.
The busking code helps us balance both the needs of performers and the needs of others in the city – visitors, workers, businesses and residents.
Buskers are encouraged to share the best spots and limit overlap of performance space, maintain safety (for themselves, the audience and passers by) and consider the impact, particularly of amplified sound, on local businesses and residents.
While we want to support buskers in bringing life to our streets and making a living, we want to avoid situations that are unsafe, where no one is competing to be heard or overly dominating spaces that need to be shared.
Updating the code
From time to time we review and update our busking policy to ensure it is meeting the above purposes.
George Street
Given the introduction of light rail and the increased numbers of people walking in the area, not all locations along George Street are safe for buskers to set up. In the past year, we’ve received hundreds of complaints about buskers performing along George Street.
To get the balance right, we identified 6 special busking sites along George Street and one in the Queen Victoria Building forecourt to protect performance spaces. We chose sites that are already working well and are safe because they don't encourage people to step in front of the light rail.
We ask that buskers stick to these sites if they wish to perform on George Street. Specific locations and maps can be found in the Sydney busking code.
Pitt Street Mall
In Pitt Street Mall, we have had 3 designated areas for many years. The same buskers have been able to use the same sites for a very long time. We’re trying a new configuration that will allow a range of buskers access and a change of experience for the businesses directly nearby.
Musicians will have access to the central pitch, outside the Mid City Centre. Extended duration performers, such as pavement and performance artists, will have access to the areas just north (under the skybridge) and south (outside the Strand Arcade).
There is another dedicated pitch for musicians slightly further north on Martin Place at Pitt Street.
Public feedback
These updates to the code were open for public feedback from 24 June to 5 August.
All registered buskers were notified of this process and encouraged to leave feedback on the proposed changes.
We received just 4 submissions from buskers, none of which raised concerns about the proposed changes to George Street.
Our understanding is that not everyone understood this process. We respect the opinions of our busking community and have heard a greater range of views since then we have taken on board.
What next?
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO has asked City of Sydney staff to review the George Street designations with a view to increasing the number of busking opportunities.
This may or may not be possible. We continue to share the safety concerns raised by the light rail operator, and still have to consider the needs of the broader community and everyone's right to accessing our public walkways.
Buskers are ambassadors for the cultural life of Sydney and values we celebrate: diversity, respect and inclusion.
Your views are important to us and we want to work with you to ensure we get a configuration that balances public safety and harmonious shared used of the spaces.
Published 30 October 2025
