SWAN Hill Council says it will consider various options and work with local businesses after it received $200,000 from the Victorian Government to help establish street trading.
Council previously received funding from the government to erect dining pods at various eateries at townships in the municipality.
Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said the new $54.5 million Outdoor Economy Package would help support the costs for thousands of businesses of setting up for street trading, and back councils to provide the necessary infrastructure and support.
Council director of development and planning Heather Green welcomed the funding, saying it was “great news for local businesses following ongoing restrictions for retail and hospitality”.
Council will receive $100,000 through part one and $100,000 through part two.
Ms Green said council would consider various options and working alongside local businesses, to determine the most beneficial use of the funding.
“At this stage, we have not yet confirmed plans for this funding,” she said.
“We will be carefully considering all options with further information available in the coming weeks.”
As part of the package, a $14.5 million COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program will provide more than 7000 Victorian businesses, community organisations, not-for-profits and trader associations with $2000 grants when they spend at least that amount to support initiatives such as outdoor hospitality and entertainment.
Hairdressers, beauty services, retail shops, dance studios and gyms will also be eligible to apply for vouchers, meaning they can join restaurants, cafes and bars in harnessing the opportunities of kerbside trading.
The voucher program will open soon and will be delivered by Business Victoria in partnership with Service Victoria.
A new $40 million COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund will help councils transform more outdoor areas so Victorians can enjoy local attractions safely as we reach the key 70 per cent double vaccination threshold, then 80 per cent, with restrictions lifting significantly at those marks.
The fund will allocate $20.5 million so councils can provide immediate assistance to businesses to operate outdoors, through physical improvements such as new street furniture, landscaping, marquees, planter boxes and public art, as well as entertainment to bring our outdoor precincts to life.
Councils will also receive a share of $19.5 million to establish semi-permanent and permanent outdoor precincts.
