Mornington Peninsula wants to allow more food trucks and introduce night trade
Drastic changes could triple the number of food trucks allowed on the Mornington Peninsula and existing hospitality businesses are worried.
South East
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A bold plan to triple the number of food trucks on the Mornington Peninsula has angered the struggling hospitality industry in the tourist hotspot.
The council wants to “make it easier for local mobile food and drink vendors to sell their delicious coffee, smoothies, food and treats” by increasing the number of permits from 13 to up to 42.
Sites would be powered, seating installed and musicians encouraged to partner with operators to promote “vibrant spaces”.
The draft food truck policy also proposed adding winter only permits, two hubs with up to six vendors at each and night trading for some sites.
All permits would run for three years instead of 12 months.
A controversial silent auction currently used to determine permit prices for existing sites would be replaced with a set fee.
Critics of the plan said it was unfair for existing bricks-and-mortar food businesses, many struggling to bounce back from Covid lockdowns and restrictions.
Long-time restaurateur Jacqui Poulier said if the new policy was passed three food trucks would be allowed to operate opposite her business Alatonero in McCrae.
“The last thing any food business needs is to now face direct competition from mobile food vendors parked out the front of their venues, who contribute nothing in terms of rates, rent, and all the general overheads we as business are required to pay annually,” Ms Poulier said.
“The lack of overheads means food can be sold cheaper and more profitably, and worse still, council are encouraging these areas to become mini ‘parklets’ with the shire funding chairs and benches to further add to the attraction of visitation and spending at these sites.”
Traders were angry the council did not consult them about the plan.
“They have not consulted with business or chambers of commerce. It’s all been very hush, hush,” Ms Poulier said.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh acknowledged the concerns of existing hospitality traders.
“That’s precisely why we are seeking feedback on the draft policy from the broader community,” he said.
Food truck owner Mikaela Robertson welcomed the changes and said allowing extra permits was no different to a new business opening near an existing operator.
“You can’t stop a new cafe from opening near yours, so why should you be able to dictate where food trucks operate?” she said.
Ms Roberston, who runs Roast n Roll at Safety Beach, said removing the silent auction and improving sites for food truck vendors were essential elements of the council’s plan.
“Almost every time I arrive at my site in summer I find it blocked by tourists. They just ignore the signs.
“I would like a bollard in place to protect my spot.”
She said the silent auction meant food truck vendors paid vastly different amounts to the council for the right to use a site for 12 months.
While reluctant to reveal how much she paid, Ms Robertson said she knew of another vendor who paid $1000 more for their spot in Hastings.
“A set fee will be much fairer and more consistent,” she said.