Maribyrnong council is reviewing its controversial decision to cap the number of food trucks at Yarraville Gardens.
Star Weekly last week reported that a “permit zone” at the gardens, imposing a limit of six food trucks at any one time, had been rushed into place to address concerns about damaged public toilets and rubbish being left behind.
The council’s acting manager of sustainable development, Paul McKeon, said the limit was introduced after discussions with operators failed to fix issues, such as dumped rubbish created by up to 20 trucks being at the site and causing one of the world’s largest “food truck jams”.
“This number was chosen as it is a manageable number for the park that allows for the sharing of parking spaces with park visitors.”
But the council will review its cap after a public backlash and suggestions by Mr Burger general manager Maleik Edwards at Tuesday night’s council meeting that the new restrictions had been rushed in without adequate discussion with food truck operators.
Maribyrnong mayor Grant Miles said he requested a review of the restrictions after receiving feedback from the public.
“While the public toilet issues in the park remain and need to be addressed, I will be asking council to review the limit, to allow residents and visitors to keep enjoying food trucks in our parks. I’d like to see more food trucks be allowed to trade in the area.”
As reported by Star Weekly in April, Hobsons Bay has four sites where mobile operators are permitted: Point Gellibrand, Cherry Lake car park and Newport and Altona boat ramps.
Tuesday night’s Hobsons Bay council meeting heard they were “mobile operators” rather than food trucks, selling flowers, cappuccino, fruit and vegetables.
Tenders for the four sites were due by Wednesday, with the council confirming only one mobile operator per site will continue.
