LATEST: Maribyrnong Council may back down from its decision to cap the number of food trucks at Yarraville Gardens following widespread community outcry.
As reported in the Star Weekly on Wednesday, the council last Friday began serving notices on mobile food van operators announcing a “permit zone” at the gardens which imposes a limit of six food trucks at any one time, despite up to 25 permits being available for food trucks to operate in Maribyrnong.
Up to 20 trucks have been parking at Yarraville Gardens on the weekend, creating one of the world’s largest ‘food truck jams’.
The restriction were rushed into place to address concerns about the amount of rubbish being left behind, public toilets unable to cope with the influx of visitors, and reduced parking access for park users.
But the Council will review the limit following public feedback calling for more trucks to be allowed to trade there.
But the council will review the following public feedback calling for more trucks to be allowed to trade there.
Mr Burger general manager Maleik Edwards appeared at Tuesday night’s council meeting to express concerns on behalf of truck operators that the new restrictions had been rushed in without discussion on a suitable solution.
He said operators believed the rubbish issue could be managed without such a drastic change.
Councillors Michael Clarke and Sarah Carter expressed concern the changes had come in so quickly and without better consultation.
Maribyrnong mayor Grant Miles on Wednesday said he requested a review of the restrictions after receiving feedback from the public.
“Food trucks add life to our public areas, and we support them through allocating locations at nine public parks across the city that have become popular eating spots for residents and visitors.
“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.”
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