The inner-west food truck revolution has revealed a sharp divide in views between Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.
The trucks, regularly appearing in Footscray, Seddon and at Yarraville Gardens, offer everything from burgers, tacos and Thai food to frozen yoghurt and crème brulee.
Although Maribyrnong council welcomes food trucks operating in the area, provided they have a valid permit costing $2000 a year, they appear less welcome in Williamstown and Altona.
Sharon Walsh, of Altona Village Traders Association, said she was glad that Hobsons Bay did not have an abundance of food trucks.
“I’d probably run them out of the town,” she said. “If they were close to the [Altona] shopping centre, mate, I’d be there with my little placards because it just takes business away from the shopping centre.”
Williamstown Chamber of Commerce president Laura Nardo said she had never seen a food truck in her suburb.
“I wouldn’t want to see food trucks here, but that’s just my personal opinion. My feeling would be that we would want to promote existing brick and mortar businesses as opposed to people who just drive in for the day.”
Hobsons Bay mayor Sandra Wilson said there were four sites where food trucks were permitted: Point Gellibrand, Newport and Altona boat ramps, and the Cherry Lake car park.
“Every two years, the council advertises for tenders for these sites and the next tender is coming up towards the end of the year,” Cr Wilson said.
Two sites due for tender in the short term – in Queen Street, Altona, and Kororoit Creek Road – are currently being operated by a flower vendor and fruit and vegetable seller.
“The council wants to encourage mobile vendors at appropriate sites, at the same time recognising the need to respect the businesses in fixed premises.”
Western suburbs foodie Kenny Weir, who blogs at considerthesauce.net, said food trucks added a splash of colour and a dining alternative, but some finessing was warranted.
“Some may argue that having 14 trucks parked on Somerville Road at Yarraville Gardens is overkill, but readers say they appreciate the wide choice. I think the wishes of traders in the various suburbs have to be balanced with the desires of the eating public.”
