Outdoor dining plan proposed for Inverloch’s main street
With summer fast approaching, traders have come up with a plan for outdoor dining in Inverloch’s main street. But while some business owners are all for it, others are worried about limited parking in the area.
Bass Coast News
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Inverloch business owners are preparing for a busy summer with a proposed plan to allow for more outdoor dining in the main street.
Inverloch Tourism Association have formulated a plan with the assistance of the Bass Coast Shire Council that proposes making A’Beckett St one-way to allow tables and chairs to be placed on the road.
Inverloch Tourism Association committee member Gary Tayler said the proposal addressed the influx of tourists over the Christmas period and ensured safety and a workable solution for all.
“The ITA and council officers spent five days visiting every shop front in Inverloch and basically asked how we could help and assist,” he told The Bass Coast News.
“Through a consultation process we developed two needs we needed to address including space to social distance and outdoor dining.”
Mr Tayler said barriers would ensure the safety of patrons.
“Initially we proposed concrete barriers to be placed in the centre of the road but because A’Beckett St is a council road and 40km/h, it looks like we can go down to the plastic barriers,” he said.
Mr Tayler also suggested heavy duty planter boxes could be used for a barrier so no cars could impact the dining areas.
Mr Tayler said all businesses had been consulted and the plan had “full support of the entire business community”.
“We have talked to every single person and made changes so all businesses in town can benefit from this,” Mr Tayler said.
Inverloch Esplanade Hotel owner Dylan Clark is hoping the plan is approved.
“We are all for the plan to push forward for the critical six weeks of summer,” Mr Clark said.
“We feel that if we can get people outdoors and create a festival type atmosphere it will benefit not only the food and beverage traders but the other shops in town”.
However, Paul the Pieman owner Robin Woods said she was concerned about parking.
“People aren’t going to have anywhere to park and it’s bad enough when they start taking spots away,” she said.
“I’m not sure if people are going to want to walk into town or park at the footy oval. I’m not sure what the plan is and how you get that across to people”.
Mr Tayler said the outdoor dining plan could be in place until Easter.
“We anticipate it will go to the end of February however if there is broad community support and if COVID-19 conditions are still in place, there is opportunity for us to expand out to the end of Easter”.
Mr Tayler expects a final decision to be made “very quickly”.
“I’m going to get some indication this week to what is going to happens and what measures can be done”.
Businesses will be able to take advantage of the $290 million government support package, including $58 million for businesses to buy umbrellas and outdoor furniture.
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