Planning an event in Perth involves much more than coordinating suppliers and attracting attendees. Today, event organisers also carry a clear responsibility to ensure that reasonable, evidence-based safety measures are in place. This is where a comprehensive event risk assessment becomes essential. It provides a structured approach to identifying risks, assessing their likelihood and consequence, and implementing practical controls that protect people, assets, and operations.
In Western Australia, councils, venue operators, insurers, and traffic management companies are increasingly requiring formal event risk assessments as part of their approval processes. This is especially true for events held in public spaces, high-traffic precincts, foreshore locations, and areas listed in Crowded Places risk profiles. As a result, event organisers need to understand what a high-quality event risk assessment includes and how it supports a safe, compliant, and successful event.
This article explains what an event risk assessment involves, how it aligns with Australian requirements, and why partnering with an independent security consultant provides genuine value.
Understanding What an Event Risk Assessment Is
An event risk assessment is a structured evaluation of all safety and security risks associated with an event. It considers both planned and unplanned situations, including crowd behaviour, environmental factors, medical incidents, security threats, traffic movements, and emergency scenarios. The purpose is simple: to identify potential hazards early, assess their impact, and apply sensible controls so the event runs smoothly.
For Perth events, this assessment often forms part of a broader submission to the local council or landowner. Many councils within WA, including the City of Perth, City of Stirling, City of Canning, and Town of Victoria Park, now expect a documented assessment before granting approvals for outdoor events, markets, festivals, concerts, and foreshore activations.
Alignment with Australia’s Crowded Places Guidelines
One of the most important frameworks for event organisers is the Australian Government’s Crowded Places Security Strategy. These guidelines help planners identify threats to crowded places, understand vulnerabilities, and implement proportionate protective security measures.
Key considerations include:
- Crowd density and expected attendance
- Ingress and egress pathways
- Screening and bag-check needs
- Potential for public disorder or conflict
- Visibility and placement of emergency services
- Exposure to vehicle-based threats
- Requirements for CCTV and monitoring
- Suitability of the venue’s layout and activation design
While not a legislative requirement, councils and insurers increasingly reference these guidelines as a benchmark for due diligence. A good event risk assessment should clearly demonstrate how the event aligns with crowded places expectations and where additional measures may be needed.
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM)
In recent years, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation has become a significant consideration for events, especially those located near roads, laneways, or open plazas. Perth has a growing number of high-profile events, and many take place in active traffic environments such as Scarborough Beach, Elizabeth Quay, Yagan Square, and various town centre main streets.
A well-structured event risk assessment will determine whether HVM is required. This includes:
- Understanding vehicle approach routes
- Assessing speed environments
- Identifying vulnerable crowd congregation points
- Reviewing the capacity of existing structures to resist vehicle impact
- Working with traffic management providers to integrate barrier placement
In many cases, temporary water-filled barriers or modular solutions provide effective protection. The assessment will not prescribe exact quantities; instead, it will outline where mitigation is required and how it should integrate with the Traffic Management Plan (TMP). This ensures both safety and council approval.
Crowd Management and Behaviour
Crowd behaviour is one of the most dynamic elements of any event. A robust assessment considers how crowds move, gather, queue, and disperse. It looks at:
- Peak arrival and departure times
- Ticketing or queueing systems
- Entrances and chokepoints
- The likelihood of surges, pushing, or congestion
- Locations where conflict or intoxication may occur
- Safe management of amenities like toilets, bars, and food outlets
For Perth’s coastal and foreshore events, environmental factors also play a large role. Heat, UV exposure, alcohol consumption, and proximity to water are risks that must be recognised and managed appropriately.
Emergency Management and Evacuation Planning
No event risk assessment is complete without considering emergency scenarios. These include medical events, fire, weather hazards, missing persons, and security threats. A well-developed assessment outlines:
- Evacuation routes
- Muster points
- Communication processes
- Roles and responsibilities for staff and volunteers
- Coordination with WA Police and emergency services
- How emergency information will be communicated to the crowd
Clear, simple, and practical emergency procedures are essential, especially for teams who may not be trained in emergency response. Councils and insurers often require these documents before granting approval.
Integration With CPTED
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is another important consideration. Integrating CPTED into an event risk assessment helps reduce opportunities for crime and antisocial behaviour. Key areas include:
- Natural surveillance
- Lighting adequacy for night events
- Visibility around bars, vendors, and amenities
- Access control and entry management
- Clear zoning between staff-only and public areas
- Wayfinding and signage
Applying CPTED improves safety, supports efficient event operations, and reduces pressure on security and crowd management staff.
Perth-Specific Considerations
Events in Perth often face unique environmental and logistical factors. These may include:
- Extreme weather, including heatwaves and strong coastal winds
- Foreshore and beachfront conditions
- Local council permit requirements
- Traffic congestion around major precincts
- Cultural and community expectations
- Coordination with WA Police and emergency services
A Perth-based event risk assessment recognises these local considerations and ensures they are addressed thoroughly.
Why Use an Independent Consultant?
Organisers often engage an independent security consultant to complete the assessment. This offers several advantages:
- An unbiased assessment based on risk, not commercial interests
- Compliance with ISO 31000 and other recognised frameworks
- Knowledge of Crowded Places requirements
- Skills in integrating HVM, TMPs, and emergency planning
- Experience with WA councils and approval processes
- Clear, defensible documentation ready for submission
An independent consultant ensures that risk controls are proportionate, realistic, and aligned with stakeholder expectations.
Final Thoughts
A detailed event risk assessment is a critical part of safe and successful event planning in Perth. It protects attendees, assists with council approvals, reduces liability, and ensures all stakeholders understand their responsibilities. When combined with HVM, CPTED, emergency planning, and alignment to Australia’s Crowded Places Guidelines, it forms a strong foundation for risk-aware event operations.
If you are organising an event and require a professional event risk assessment, we would be happy to assist. Please reach out through the Contact page at Smartsec Security Solutions to get started.
