Maribyrnong mayor Michael Clarke
I’m pleased to see our outdoor dining campaign continuing until the middle of next year. The decision reflects the overwhelming community support for the initiative, which has seen nearly 50 parklets created across the municipality in response to the pandemic and social distancing restrictions.
In addition to the extension, we’re also expanding outdoor dining to increase parklet and pop-up park activation in Footscray and West Footscray.
For me, the outdoor dining in Ballarat Street, Yarraville, has been one of the highlights of this program and I know traders are keen to see it remain, permanently. But, we also appreciate concerns one of the consequences of this success is increased traffic congestion in Anderson Street, and council is currently collaborating with Metro Trains Melbourne on a global traffic study of the area that will look at future planning options in and around Yarraville Village, to manage these types of challenges.
The outdoor dining project was delivered with an initial state government grant of $500,000 in 2020, with a second grant of $250,000 in 2021 supporting the extension and expansion.
We look forward to seeing our community continuing to enjoy outdoor dining once we come out of lockdown.
Before the extension ends in April 2022, we will also come back to you again to ask for your views – this time on whether parklets should become a permanent feature in our municipality.
With rates notices being issued this month, a reminder that ratepayers can apply for support under the COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy. We know the ongoing pandemic is continuing to impact our community and particularly our most vulnerable.
Our Community Connectors are also available to help with food relief, material relief, mental health or family violence support.
As always, please do your bit to help our community get on top of the COVID virus by following government guidelines, getting tested and getting vaccinated if you are able.
You can find the testing site nearest you and find out about financial support available from the government on the COVID website www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
You can also call 1800 675 398 to book a vaccination appointment.
