Main Street Mornington: Call to close precinct to cars over summer
It’s one of the Mornington Peninsula’s most popular summer destinations and locals have a plan to help it bounce back from lockdown.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Thousands are calling for Mornington’s main shopping and dining strip to be closed to cars on weekends to allow traders to rebound from lockdown.
A petition demanding Main Street be closed between Barkly St and the Esplanade from Friday to Sunday has already gathered more than 3000 signatures.
The move would allow businesses to extend their venue to the middle of the road via alfresco trading.
The petition was created by Brass Razu bar owner Alexis Collier, who said the plan would help all Mornington businesses, even those not in the stretch nominated for closure.
“The novelty of the event would no doubt attract more people to Mornington,” she said.
The petition calls for the closure to be in place from October 30 to November 22, with the dates subject to change according to case numbers and State Government directions.
The Mornington Chamber of Commerce said it was working with Mornington to “enhance pedestrian, retail and dining experiences” along the strip.
The spokesperson said if the road was closed it would be from November for the entire summer, not just on weekends.
“Finally approval is dependent on VicRoads signing off on the road closure,” they said.
“This idea has been talked about on and off for years.
“If you’re going to trial it what better time than when we are trying to come out of the coronavirus crisis.”
Extended footpath trading is a key part of the council’s plan to help businesses exit lockdown.
The strategy includes a ‘parklets plan’ which allows businesses to use car spaces outside shop fronts for trade.
A streamlined permit process has also been introduced to make it easier and cheaper for businesses to apply.
Affected businesses can apply for grants of up to $5,000 from the Victorian Government’s $87.5 million Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package to help them pay for items such as outdoor furniture, umbrellas and screens.
The grants will be available to licensed and unlicensed cafes, restaurants, takeaway food businesses, pubs, taverns, bars and clubs with a payroll of less than $3 million.
Mornington Peninsula Shire chief executive John Baker said the council wanted to reinvigorate high streets and shopping strips and “give people confidence they can enjoy dining out again”.
“The Peninsula is set for a very busy summer. Increased outdoor dining will play a very important role in managing the health and safety of our community while giving businesses a chance to get back on their feet,” Mr Baker said.
MORE NEWS:
WILL HALOWEEN BE THE LATEST COVID-19 CASUALTY?
FILTHY, CROWDED ROOMING HOUSES A COVID RISK