Council has opened an expression of interest (EOI) process for Roadside Trading Permits at 14 fixed locations around the Yarra Ranges and is inviting local traders to apply.
This follows several rounds of community engagement over recent years, which helped shape the Roadside and Public Place Permit Guidelines, Trading Policy, and other policies on trading in public endorsed by Council in December 2025.
As a result of this work, 14 locations around the Yarra Ranges have been identified as 'fixed trading sites' and will require businesses to hold a specific permit to allow them to trade from 1 January 2027.
Expressions of interest are open now on the Council website and will close on 27 August.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, encouraged locals with a mobile business to put their hands up for a permit.
"Roadside trading is part of the history and day-to-day life of the Yarra Ranges, from locals grabbing a coffee at a park or on your way to work, picking up some of the fantastic fresh produce our region has to offer or buying the kids a treat on a drive through the region," Cr Higgins said.
"We've now opened EOIs for 14 prime trading sites, creating a fantastic opportunity for locals to make their roadside business a fixture of our region. Through the EOI process, we want to hear about your business, what you'll offer locals and visitors, and how you operate your business.
"An independent panel will assess applications based on connection to the region - including if there's a history of trading locally - hours of operation, sustainability of operation, range of options for the community and diversity in what the businesses offer.
"There is plenty of time to make an application, and we're here to support any traders that need a hand with the process.
"We'll notify applicants of our decision by end September, with the new permits applying from 1 January 2027."
The 14 locations where roadside trading permits are available are:
Lillydale Lake, Lilydale - 3 sites
Bellbird Park, Lilydale - 1 site
150 Cambridge Rd, Kilsyth - 2 sites
Paynes Rd, Chirnside Park - 1 site
Keith Hume Fraser Reserve, Montrose - 1 site
Corner Tramway & York Roads, Mt Evelyn - 1 site
Corner Old Warburton & Warburton Hwys, Seville - 1 site
Corner Warburton Hwy & Victoria Rd, Wandin North - 1 site
Kalorama Memorial Reserve, Kalorama - 1 site
Wesburn Park (Warburton Park Trail Head), Warburton - 1 site
McIntyre Lane, Yering - 1 site
Current flexible permits for these sites will continue until the end of 2026. Flexible roadside trading permits will continue to be available for use at other locations across the Yarra Ranges.
