Last summer saw the introduction of extended outdoor dining in many areas across the Peninsula. Locals and visitors loved the initiative and restaurants and cafes were thrilled to be able to serve more people while still complying with regulations after months of being closed.
This year, we are bringing back footpath dining and parklets throughout the whole Shire and closing Main Street, Mornington from the Esplanade to Barkley Street. Restaurants and cafes will again be able to access more space to serve more customers safely.
The repurposing of some car parking spaces at shopping areas is a small sacrifice to make in order to protect and promote the economic recovery of our local food businesses that have had to close their doors for months this year. We will make sure there are still the required number of carparks for people with disabilities and that access is maintained on the footpaths.
COVID-19 recovery is a major focus throughout the 2021–22 financial year with Council investing $10M directly towards recovery programs including $650,000 to re-establish the outdoor dining and township activation program from October 2021 – April 2022. We are waiving fees and charges to the value of $1 million this financial year, including permit fees for applications for extended outdoor dining and trading.
Local musicians and artists will bring a little something extra to make our streets come alive too, entertaining locals and visitors alike with tunes, performances and inspiring creative displays. Sign up to the arts and culture e-news to find out more about these opportunities at artsandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au
To apply for a parklet or extended footpath dining permit for your business, go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/outdoordining. Applications close Friday 1 October.
Extended footpath and parklet permits are valid from 1 October – 30 April.
Main Street, Mornington parklet permits are valid from 17 December – 1 February.
Quote attributable to Mayor Councillor Despi O'Connor:
"We are thrilled to be bringing back outdoor dining and give our local business owners a chance to bounce back from lockdown, employ more people and serve more customers.
"We surveyed all businesses in Main Street, Mornington and 67 per cent voted to close Main Street again. Main Street will be closed from 17 December – 1 February, and we are looking forward to seeing the street filled with people dining, shopping and listening to music.
"So, don't hesitate to enjoy a 'staycation' right here on the Mornington Peninsula this summer. Let's support our local retailers and eateries whenever we can – they need us! If you live close enough, take your bike or walk into town (if you can carry all your shopping home, that is!) and leave the carparking spaces free for someone who lives further away."
