- Published:
- Monday 15 March 2021
Popular outdoor dining areas for restaurants, pubs and cafes across the state will continue through a COVIDSafe autumn thanks to further support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane today announced 22 councils will receive a share of $5 million in funding to continue and expand outdoor dining areas and pocket parks, as well as waiving permit fees and cutting red tape for businesses looking to set up outdoor dining.
Among the councils receiving funding is Maribyrnong, which will use $250,000 to expand a successful program of 24 parklets across suburbs including Footscray and Yarraville and to areas that have not previously benefited.
Another council to benefit is Monash, which will use a $500,000 grant to continue outdoor dining at Pinewood Shopping Village and Hamilton Place in Mount Waverley, in Glen Waverley and at Haughton Road in Clayton.
The new funding for councils is part of the $87.5 million Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package released in September, which provided a share of $29.5 million to councils across the state.
Of the 22 councils receiving funding, 13 are in metropolitan Melbourne, 5 are interface or peri-urban and 4 are regional.
The funding was prioritised to the councils experiencing high demand for outdoor dining infrastructure following an increase in patronage to local businesses.
The Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package also funded grants of up to $5,000 for businesses to pay for umbrellas, outdoor furniture, screens and other equipment needed for outdoor dining.
For a full list of funding for the 22 successful councils, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane
“Victorians have loved the outdoor dining areas we funded across the state this summer, and it’s great that we can continue that support through a COVIDSafe autumn.”
“Councils have put our support for outdoor dining to good use over the last few months and this expansion will allow popular programs to continue across the state, giving our world-class hospitality industry a much-needed boost.”
“Councils are key contributors to local economies and we’re giving them the support they need to create jobs and help drive our economic recovery.”