Scarness cocktail bar Soma pushes for parklet

The way Fraser Coast residents dine could be about to change forever as a petition launched by Bar Soma for the first parklet in the area gets the support of 900 people and other businesses.

An application by Scarness cocktail bar, Bar Soma, for the first parklet on the Fraser Coast has gained significant momentum as 900 residents sign a petition in support of it.

A parklet is a European-style concept where restaurants, cafes and bars that want to introduce outdoor dining, but do not have any outdoor space, apply to the relevant authorities to sacrifice car parking spaces out front and transform them into fenced-off alfresco areas.

Bar Soma co-owner Timo van Hest said the parklet would “allow for diners to better appreciate the natural beauty of Hervey Bay and the Esplanade” while serving as a “permanent public infrastructure”.

It would only take up “half a car park” but seat “12 to 15 diners at a time”, he said.

The render of what Bar Soma hope the parklet, if approved, would look like.

Mr Van Hest said the application for the parklet was first submitted when the business opened in October 2022, and council communication had been “quite good”, but as of late had started to become a “little quiet”.

The application has the support of Division 3 councillor Paul Truscott who says “parklets are a positive experience for customers of the business that they are located at and help create a vibrant economy where pedestrian activity is encouraged”.

Timo van Hest and Neil Yates of Bar Soma are highly enthusiastic about the possibility of getting a parklet approved by council.

Other Fraser Coast businesses have also expressed their enthusiasm about the possibility of parklets becoming a regular thing in the area.

French Hot Bread owner Teresa Pham said there was a “lot to gain from them” and they would help create a “highly positive” dining experience at her business.

For readers wishing to sign the petition, it can be found on Bar Soma’s website here.