Alfresco dining extended in time for Summer

7 December 2020

The Bega Valley Shire is set to benefit from the rollout of the NSW Government’s Dine & Discover NSW program which will see the expansion of outdoor dining extended to small bars and pubs across the Shire.

Bega Valley Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick said the evidence from the initial trial in The Rocks and Darling Harbour in Sydney showed a dramatic increase in weekend foot traffic and sales.

“The hospitality and tourism industries are so important to our local economy and this program will give a real boost to these businesses and our community more broadly, in a COVID-safe way, just in time for the summer holidays,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.

“As a Council we are committed to doing everything we can to help our small businesses recover from the double-whammy of fires and the pandemic, and I thank the State Government for taking this extremely positive step.”

Council’s Planning and Sustainability Manager, Keith Tull, said that the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment had amended the State Environmental Planning Policy to facilitate this extension of outdoor dining.

“The changes exempt the need for eligible businesses to seek development consent for outdoor seating within footpath or public spaces during the program, which runs through until 31 October 2021,” Mr Tull said.

“Businesses still need to apply for approval under Council’s Use of Public Land Procedure, and our staff are ready to help businesses through this process.”

Business owners can view the procedure and lodge an application through Council’s website or call (02) 6499 2222 for more information.

For more information on the Dine & Discover NSW program, visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/statewideoutdoordining