Shane Newcombe blasts Moreton Bay Regional Council’s decision to allow pop-up food vendors

A food truck fight has shifted into high gear with a Queensland tourism boss taking aim at Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has come under fire after voting to allow pop-up food stalls to continue trading in the midst of one of Queensland’s most serious lockdowns.

The council however insists it’s done nothing wrong, saying Queensland Health advised them that food vendors can operate and should be treated like other cafes and restaurants, provided they abide by same take away trading rules.

The food furore began after local tourism boss Shane Newcombe blasted council’s decision to allow mobile vendors to operate.

The Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism CEO vented his frustrations online, writing:

“I am bewildered why tonight, after a council resolution, that our region is promoting pop up locations for food vendors that encourage people to leave their house for this purpose,” Mr Newcombe wrote.

The motion to support takeaway food vendors was moved by Councillor Matt Constance in Wednesday’s meeting.

MBRIT CEO Shane Newcombe believes allowing food truck vendors to operate is contradictory to the public health order. Picture: Renae Droop

Mr Newcombe however says the move is contradictory to the public health order currently in place.

“My biggest concern for the public health,” he wrote.

“But second is vendors will be excited by this, stock up and end up with no clients, once again putting themselves in the position of wasting food and money.

“Also, what consideration has been given to established food operators who have rent to pay, staff, council rates and other outgoings? Surely they should be our first and only focus.”

Mr Newcombe explained in his social media rant that he was a strong advocate for market stalls and food vendors.

He said he was given the responsibility to make the call to cancel the Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival last Saturday.

“We worked with vendors and council to create solutions to support the immediate impact on vendors,” he wrote.

“Needless to say, our vendors are not the only aspect of this lockdown affected by a snap cancellation.”

A Moreton Bay Regional Council spokesman said the council encourages all residents to act responsibly and follow the Queensland Health advice.

“Council has been advised by Queensland Health that mobile food vendors can operate under the same provisions as other cafes/restaurants and offer takeaways goods/services while meeting all COVID-19 safe practices,” the spokesman said.

“The pop-up program is a long standing and ongoing program for food retailers across the region, this is not a new initiative.

“Continuation of this service as a takeaway food option is equivalent to the static retail stores permitted to trade under the current health guidelines.”

The tourism representative went on to write that he had been in lockdown since the directive came into effect on July 31.

“I’ve watched every state government press conference and, correct me if I’m wrong, our CHO, Minister of Health and Premier are directing us to stay at home unless we absolutely have to leave,” he wrote.

“Stay home, wear a mask if you absolutely need to leave your house and get vaccinated.

“Common sense advice we should expect from all levels of government at the moment.”

A Queensland Health spokeswoman said a food business can operate with takeaway only services.

“That would include a food truck, similar to food markets being able to operate,” she said.