27 November 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council staff members will be visiting Gunnedah businesses that could benefit from street trading or footpath dining.

Earlier this year, Council announced it would waive fees for street trading and footpath dining applications for the next financial year to assist businesses during a difficult economic time.

“Waiving these fees this financial year is a way we can not only ease the burden a little, but encourage outdoor dining and street trading, which can add greatly to a town’s atmosphere and appeal,” Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey said when the move was announced.

“Retail businesses in Gunnedah Shire are under increased pressure from not only the drought, but the impact of online shopping.

“This will activate our street spaces and make our shire even more welcoming.”

Staff will be popping in to talk to retailers and eateries to talk about the opportunity to apply for street trading and footpath dining for free.

The process for outdoor dining application has become easier through the use of a concierge service and online submission through https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/ Approval now lasts for seven years.

Those who would like to apply for street trading will need to fill in a paper application at Gunnedah Shire Council, but council staff can assist with that process.

Businesses who want to carry out street vending will need to include a copy of their public liability insurance.

A street trading application fee is usually $168 and a footpath dining application fee is usually $290.

Photo caption: Kez’s Café was the first Gunnedah Shire business to embrace the new application system for outdoor dining. Kerry Towns has a chat with a customer at one of their outdoor tables.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.