By Molly Magennis
Maribyrnong councils outdoor dining program will be extended until November this year to allow for community consultation for a permanent Outdoor Dining Policy.
There are currently 44 parklets set up across the municipality, with most situated in the areas of Footscray, Seddon and Yarraville.
Outdoor dining spaces were created in Ballarat Street Yarraville, Yewers Street, Footscray, Byron Street Plaza, Footscray and Grand Theatre Circuit, Footscray.
The temporary outdoor dining program, set up in October 2020 to support local traders recover from COVID lockdowns, was initially set to conclude on April 30 this year.
In a council meeting on April 26, council agreed to move the motion to extend the program until late this year, as well as waive the fees associated with outdoor trading (including parklets and
footpath trading) until July 1 2023.
While the temporary program continues, consultation on the permanent policy will take place and is expected to be presented to council later in 2022 for formal adoption.
While the outdoor dining program has received positive feedback from the community, as shown through feedback from more than 1200 residents, customers and businesses, there has been some criticism regarding the loss of car parks
A total of 71 car spaces were repurposed to install the outdoor dining spaces and the parklets.
At the council meeting, councillor Michael Clarke described the outdoor dining program as a ‘silver lining’ and said that benefits of the program far outweigh any downsides.
“The general discussion with the community…..has been that the outdoor dining phenomena here in the city of Maribyrnong is nothing less than absolutely excellent,” he said.
“For the sake of some I think 71-odd car parking spaces, we now have outdoor dining that could be enjoyed by all and rivals any experience that you’re going to have anywhere.
“It stimulates the economy but it brings a social vibe that is absolutely second to none.”
