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

Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane today announced Wyndham City Council will receive an additional $80,000 to expand outdoor dining and support local hospitality businesses.

The council will use the funding to expand its existing outdoor dining program across one of Victoria’s fastest-growing areas, supporting local businesses and providing entertainment opportunities for the local community.

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.

Wyndham City Council used this funding to deliver a West End Experience that transformed the western end of Watton Street in Werribee into a pop-up dining precinct over the summer months.

Six outdoor dining parklets were installed across the city with eight portable outdoor dining kits and four alfresco pods to extend existing dining areas available for local businesses to book.

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 Wyndham 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.”

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

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

Quote attributable to Member for Altona Jill Hennessy

“Our communities across Wyndham have really embraced outdoor dining this summer and with this additional funding Council can support more businesses to stay open and safe as we head into Autumn.”

Quote attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly

“This funding will continue supporting the innovative solutions we’ve seen in hospitality as we transition into a COVIDSafe autumn.”