Bass Coast Shire Council has been successful in its application to the State Government's second round of the Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package.
Council will receive an additional $200,000, which will allow it to continue to support local hospitality businesses that have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last 12 months.
Council received $250,000 through the first round of this program in late 2020.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said the additional funding will allow Council to continue to support outdoor dining areas across Bass Coast.
"We will continue to work closely with the Business and Tourism Associations and traders in each township to develop and maintain outdoor dining spaces and will look at what adjustments may need to be made to encourage outdoor dining in the cooler months and how we support this," Cr Tessari said.
"A number of seaside towns and villages Australia wide have installed lighting to enhance the atmosphere, creating vibrant spaces to relax and dine and provide a further night time economy benefits and we will explore how that looks for our towns.
"It's pleasing to see a number of parklets have confirmed their intention to stay open until June with the hotels at Inverloch (at the Inlet Hotel) and San Remo (at the Westernport and San Remo Hotel) all still expressing strong patron demand for the outdoor spaces. The two public spaces in Cowes at Olive Justice Place and The Laneway will continue to be operational in coming months.
"The impacts of the pandemic are still being felt by our hospitality industry. This additional funding will allow us to continue to support these businesses.
"I would like to thank the State Government and their continued support - by working together we are able to help our economy recover, faster," Cr Tessari concluded.
