Ola Chola food truck is an example of a food truck to be part of the Lake Illawarra Foreshore Activation Trial. Photo: Michael Boyle, Shellharbour City Council.
This summer will see people strolling along the scenic shores of Lake Illawarra or watching children play on nearby playgrounds as they take in enticing aromas of sizzling street food.
From 8 October, residents and visitors to Shellharbour will have the chance to enjoy a variety of food and beverage offerings while taking in the views of Lake Illawarra, thanks to a new initiative by Shellharbour City Council.
The Lake Illawarra Foreshore Activation Trial aims to bring life to lakeside recreational areas by inviting food trucks to set up alongside playgrounds, reserves and parks.
Shellharbour council is inviting mobile food truck vendors to apply to take part in the six-month trial and receive a special permit to trade in selected public carparks until 8 April next year, during the hours between 7 am and 8 pm.
Council CEO Mike Archer said he was excited to see how the trial would breathe new life into the foreshore area.
“Our lakeside areas are beloved by many, and this foreshore activation trial will enhance the experience of our parks and reserves, showcasing local vendors and bringing a diverse range of food and beverage options to these community spaces,” Mr Archer said.
“Sustainability is one of council’s core values and is at the heart of everything we do, so providers that focus on recycling, reuse and sustainability will be preferred.”
He said the seven locations being considered for the foreshore activation included Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra for allotted days only; Hooker Park, Lake Illawarra; Boonerah Point Reserve, Mount Warrigal; Ski Way Park, Oak Flats; Central Park, Oak Flats; Deakin Reserve, Oak Flats; and Wilson Memorial Park, Albion Park Rail.
A map of proposed food truck locations. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Locations were chosen for the trial based on the low availability of food and beverage options in the area, while also being near key public parklands, playgrounds and amenities.
However, these areas will remain alcohol free zones during the trial period.
Food truck operators are encouraged to apply before 18 September, when applications will close.
Successful applicants will be issued a special permit allowing them to operate their mobile food truck for a maximum of 10 hours at Reddall Reserve (on allotted days only) and six hours at all other locations.
Only successful applicants will be permitted to trade at the locations and fines will be issued to food trucks that trade at the locations without a special permit issued by council.
The initiative comes just two months after Wollongong City Council’s mobile food vending policy was unanimously adopted, but with limitations, which some councillors believed undermined the policy.
Among the Wollongong limitations were not being able to begin setting up before 7 am and being packed up and closed down by 7 pm, and not being permitted to operate for more than five hours at any one location.
For more information or to apply before 18 September, visit the Shellharbour City Council’s website.
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