Council votes to extend popular Outdoor Dining and Activation Program

Published on 09 July 2021

Frankston City Council has extended the Outdoor Dining and Activation Program to October 31 to enable a review including broad community consultation.

Council recently also voted to note the success of the Outdoor Dining and Activation Program and its significant achievements accomplished to date, confirmed through high level positive feedback received from permit holders and businesses.

North East Ward Cr David Asker said the Outdoor Dining and Activation Program is a critical initiative designed to support local hospitality businesses recover from economic impacts suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cr Asker said: “Hospitality is vital to the Frankston City economy with 655 businesses employing about 2862 people contributing an annual turnover of more than $345 million.

“From Frankston South to the CBD, to Seaford and beyond, dining is alive and buzzing across Frankston City with unique outdoor experiences catering for everyone,” Cr Asker said.

Council officers have collaborated with hospitality businesses across the municipality to implement parklets and expanded outdoor dining spaces.

Cr Asker said the response from outdoor dining permit holders has been exceptionally positive, adding: “All permit holders have requested the program be extended, noting the valuable role the program has played in supporting business to recover within a significant period of disruption and uncertainty.

“Permit holders have also stressed the benefits received through improved streetscape appeal, marketing and promotions delivered by Council, increased revenue and job creation and complementary activations such as the ‘Do It Outdoors’ campaign.”

Cr Asker said the ‘Do It Outdoors’ campaign includes funding for performers and entertainers at outdoor dining venues to enhance the experience as residents and visitors reconnect with friends and dine alfresco-style among new and innovative dining installations.

Council will continue the popular Do It Outdoors campaign in 2021 with street decals soon to be rolled out encouraging people to continue to support our hardworking local businesses.

Cr Asker said the extended the Outdoor Dining and Activation Program has been successful in expanding the dining capacity of 44 eligible hospitality businesses through the establishment of parklets, extended kerbside trading and various communal dining areas, where indoor dining restrictions impeded the ability to sustainably operate.

Rosie’s Kitchen Pantry proprietor Rosie Major said she is rapt the Outdoor Dining and Activation Program has been extended.

Ms Major’s cafe was one of the first hospitality venues in Frankston City to expand outdoors through the Program last year.

She said locals love the outdoor dining experience and the planter boxes featuring herbs have also been a hit with customers.

“We are grateful to have that area out there to extend our capacity,” Ms Major added.

Councillors also voted to receive a petition voicing concern about outdoor dining in Norman Avenue, Frankston South. They resolved to defer a decision on the future of the outdoor dining at that site until the completion of the review of the entire extended Outdoor Dining Program, which is currently underway.

Council will continue to patrol the Norman Avenue area on a regular basis and undertake parking enforcement as required.

Councillors also adopted a motion that Council investigate additional line marking in Fleetwood Crescent and Fleetwood Lane to optimise parking outcomes and a sign in Norman Avenue indicating ‘additional car parking at rear’.

South Ward Cr Claire Harvey said Council is hearing both sides of the story, adding: “We’re working towards a win – win solution for all.”