Big public support for outdoor dining in Bass Coast

A new report from Bass Coast Shire Council has revealed 89 per cent of the community support continued outdoor dining in the form of parklets.

The report collates feedback from over 500 businesses and 100 community members on the program, which Council received from months of community consultation.

Fourteen per cent of respondents also shared positive responses on further developments they’d like to see post-pandemic.

Council said key issues from the consultation include “enhanced vibrancy, plays to Bass Coast's strengths and covid safety, in addition to parking challenges and business inequality”.

“Parklets are a means for business to safely extend their outdoor trading area beyond the footpath,” a council spokesperson said.

“It usually involves the temporary use of on street parking spaces for outdoor dining and trader use.”

Council introduced parklets in 2020 as an initiative to create welcoming communal spaces for outdoor dining and trading.

“The parklets supported businesses to extend their seating areas while density limits were in place and allowed our community to dine in a Covid-safe manner.”

Council said in developing new guidelines and fees for the parklets, it aims to balance the needs of residents, business owners and visitors “while facilitating economic development through enhanced streetscape vibrancy, increased dwell time and more access to dining experiences”.

Feedback received included one business owner saying "Parklets help to make San Remo a destination not just somewhere to pass through on the way to the island”.

A community member described them as a “true positive” to come out of Covid, which have made the region “much more attractive for both tourists and locals to enjoy”.

"Great asset to the community! We love sitting in these spaces and enjoying a few drinks and some food. It adds a great vibe to the town," said another.

Read the full report at: engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/parklets