What you told us

The Footpath Trading Policy generated significant feedback. General community sentiment was that outdoor dining, and active shopping strips, contribute to local vibrancy, but must not compromise or interfere with maintaining safe and accessible pedestrian pathways.

Respondents highlighted congestion from tables, chairs, signs, bikes and scooters; while traders sought fair fees, seasonal flexibility, simpler requirements and ongoing consultation so that policy settings support local businesses.

Our proposed response

The proposed revised Footpath Trading Policy embeds accessibility throughout the Policy. It simplifies seating requirements, defines roles and responsibilities, allows for seasonal and provisional permit options, addresses congestion from queuing and waiting areas, and separates the fee structure into a standalone document.

The proposed changes to the Policy include:

• streamlined Policy (reducing the existing 32-page document, to 13-pages)

• clearly defined purpose, objectives, scope and alignment with the Local Law, including expiry, suspension, cancellation and enforcement

• improved definitions, accessibility, and simplified responsibilities for permit holders

• removal of detailed guidelines and appendix

• summary of application process and decision guidelines, including streamlined information about automatic/provisional permitting, queuing/waiting, activity centre markers/trading zones/siting requirements

• details concerning other approvals and related legislation, and removal of 30 knot windspeed provision and fixed item/technical specifications

• support for seasonal permits

Read the draft Bayside Footpath Trading Policy 2026.

Schedule of Fees and Charges

At the June 2026 meeting, Council adopted a new Schedule of Fees and Charges and supported the reduction and simplifying of footpath trading fees as part of the 2026–27 Budget. These changes respond directly to trader feedback and are designed to make it easier and more affordable for businesses to use outdoor spaces for signage, displays and dining.