September 21st, 2020More outdoor dining

CEO Evan King said the State Government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package aimed to make outdoor dining safe, practical and a reality.
“Under the State Government package, our local businesses can apply for grants up to $5000 to help them buy the things they need to be able to expand or create outdoor eating areas. This will help them meet the requirements around customer limits and physical distancing.
“Rural councils are eligible for up to $250,000 to help cover the costs of fee waivers and invest in any infrastructure like lighting or streetscaping to make outdoor dining safe and welcoming and we will be making the most of this funding source.
“I expect we will see some creative use of public space – not just footpaths and parks becoming outdoor dining areas but also full or partial road closures at times to allow for both outdoor dining and safe movement of pedestrians.”
At last week’s council meeting, Hepburn Shire Council committed to waiving a range of fees to further support local businesses.
Mr King said this was great news for local business owners, many of whom had struggled so hard to stay afloat during the pandemic.
“With the easing of restrictions allowing regional Victorians to travel again, we can expect our wonderful restaurants, bars and cafes to attract not only our residents keen to support their favourite establishments, but visitors as well.”
Council will completely waive the following fees and charges for 2020/2021 to assist businesses in the transition to predominantly outdoor seated service as part of Regional Victoria’s roadmap for reopening: outdoor dining permits; A-frame signage; table and two chairs; goods for display or sale; and wind barriers. Council will provide a 50 per cent discount to fees and charges for the renewal of registrations.
“Our staff are talking to businesses across the shire to make sure we can slash through any red tape that might be in the way and get our economy moving again,” Mr King said.
Details: Council’s economic development team on business@hepburn.vic.gov.au or 5348 2306.