Council waives footpath dining fees to support CBD

Restauranteurs Troy Hoffstede and Virginia Homer and Cr David Law: “If we want people to come to Nambour we need to have a visual appeal and that’s what’s outdoors dining provides”.

Owners of a Mexican restaurant are encouraging others to go al fresco and take advantage of a recent Council initiative to waive footpath dining fees. 

Troy Hoffstede and Virginia Homer’s Currie Street restaurant La Salsa De Vida is well known for its outdoor streetside dining.

But Virginia said she only found out about the Council waiver when she received her latest notice and “it was zero”. She reckoned more people would probably jump at the idea if they knew about it. 

“I received a notice and the amount payable was zero so I rang up and asked why that was and the lady told me it was because of this new initiative. It was great news and it’s good for our bottom line. Especially since our Liquor Licenses came through at the same time. 

“It will be appealing for people because the various charges can be a little overwhelming.

“It’s definitely an incentive and it has saved us hundreds of dollars because we’re over the square metreage.

“If we want people to come to Nambour we need to have a visual appeal and that’s what’s outdoors dining provides. Can you imagine Currie St, if it was all like this? 

“Our customers love eating out, especially in summer, when this area is packed. In the hotter weather these tables go out straight away.”

Div 10 Cr David Law said any business within the Special Entertainment Precinct could take advantage of the waiver which also applied to on-street trading and temporary entertainment events.

“It’s great to see Troy and Virginia making it work and we would like to see more businesses taking up the opportunity,” he said.

‘I Am Nambour’ Ambassador Rhonda Billett thanked Council for the important initiative. 

“La Salsa De Vida Mexican is a great example of what outdoor dining can do, not only for their business, but also for dining culture in Nambour,” she said. “This week I visited all restaurants, cafes and bars in the SEP of Nambour and delivered application forms to make it easier for busy business owners to join in the fun of activating Nambour’s CBD.”

•  Businesses wanting more information can fill out the application form or contact Council direct on 5475 7272. 

About the Waiver

In June 2022, council introduced a further initiative within the Nambour SEP in an effort to support local businesses. Fees have been waived for any local law activities requiring a permit within the Nambour SEP. This fee waiver relates to:

• Operation of an amplified music venue on private property within the SEP 

• Footpath dining

• Goods on footpath

• Temporary entertainment events

• Other commercial activities, such as temporary food trucks.

• The fee waiver includes application fees, renewal fees and rental fees.

• Fee waivers do not include licences issued under State Government Legislation – such as Food Licences.