Monday 15^th March 2021

Popular outdoor dining areas for restaurants, pubs and cafes in the Yarra Ranges will continue through a COVIDSafe autumn thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane has announced that the Yarra Ranges Shire Council will receive an additional $50,000 to expand outdoor dining and support local hospitality businesses.

The council will use the funding to continue its successful outdoor dining program, including transforming car parks into parklets for local businesses and waived permit fees for outdoor dining expansions.

The new funding is part of a $5 million extension to the $87.5 million Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package released in September to support Victoria’s world-class hospitality industry.

The package provided councils across Victoria with $29.5 million in grants to set up outdoor dining areas and pocket parks, as well as waiving permit fees, streamlining processes and investing in lighting and other infrastructure.

The Yarra Ranges Shire Council used the funding to issue more than 90 permits for hospitality businesses and provide traffic barriers and webbing for outdoor dining areas.

The $5 million additional funding was prioritised to metropolitan councils, regional cities, and peri-urban areas that have faced significant additional costs supporting outdoor dining, due to their size, location, geography or visitation. For more information on local government support initiatives, visit www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane

“Victorians have loved the outdoor dining areas we funded across the state this summer, and it’s great that we can continue that support in the Yarra Ranges through a COVIDSafe autumn.”

“Councils are key contributors to local economies and the Victorian Government is determined to give them the support they need to create jobs and support economic recovery in their communities.”

Quotes attributable to Harriet Shing Member for Eastern Victoria

“It’s been great to see all of the amazing cafes, restaurants and bars across the Yarra Ranges coming back to life this summer, and I’m happy that outdoor dining will continue to grow through the autumn season.”

“With this funding even more hospitality businesses in the Yarra Ranges can take advantage of outdoor dining opportunities for a COVIDSafe autumn like no other.”