MORE FUNDING FOR OUTDOOR DINING IN BANYULE

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

Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane today announced Banyule City Council will receive an additional $150,000 to expand outdoor dining and support local hospitality businesses.

Banyule City Council will use the funding to extend its outdoor dining program through autumn, including parklets for 10 more hospitality businesses and support for the Chillin' in Banyule program for local artists and the Greensborough Walk night markets.

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 $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 Banyule 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 Member for Eltham, Vicki Ward MP

“It’s been great to see the life brought back to Eltham’s amazing cafes, restaurants and bars this summer and it’s fantastic we will see even more outdoor dining through the autumn.”

“With this funding even more Banyulehospitality businesses can take advantage of outdoor dining opportunities for a COVIDSafe autumn like no other.”