January 2023 Update - Engagement Summary Report

The first round of engagement sought to capture trader and community ideas to inform the Outdoor Dining Guidelines.

The input collected will be used during the development of the Draft Guidelines.

Once the Draft Guidelines are complete, they will be released for another round of engagement. Traders and community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on what is proposed.

The Engagement Summary Report is now available here.

Thank you to everyone who provided input, it is valued and appreciated.

We’re developing Outdoor Dining Guidelines to provide clarity and direction for businesses to obtain an outdoor dining permit whilst protecting safety, accessibility, and amenity for nearby residents, businesses and pedestrians.

Building on our existing ‘Footpath and Designated Roads Trading and Activity Policy’, the guidelines will help streamline the application process for an outdoor dining permit. The guidelines will provide a decision-making framework for evaluating applications and help ensure the application process is clear and simple.

The objectives of the guidelines are:

• To promote economic development
• To enhance the dining and visitor experience
• To promote laneway and street dining culture without hindering other footpath functionalities
• To establish exciting and vibrant streetscapes through a diverse range of activities
• To promote aesthetically pleasing footpath trading infrastructure

In pursuing active, vibrant, safe and accessible footpath trading activities, this project is consistent with the direction of Council’s Central Geelong Revitalisation Strategies, Strategic Planning direction and the Footpath & Designated Road Trading and Activity Guidelines.

We are committed to creating a vibrant and prosperous city. We know that busy, active footpaths have a positive impact on the viability of businesses and the vitality of city life. We want to support businesses contribute to the sense of place without compromising on access and safety.