Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Council working to help Business Access Outdoor Dining Assistance

$87.5 million Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package ready to assist local businesses.

By Portal Admin - 28th September 2020 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council is ready to assist local businesses following the State Government’s announcement of the $87.5 million Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package to support hospitality businesses to prepare for COVID Normal reopening across Victoria.

There are two ways in which the local hospitality industry can benefit from the funding. Grants of up to $5000 are available for businesses who wish to adapt to outdoor dining, and Latrobe City Council will also apply for funding to support investment in new infrastructure, or changes to its permit process to allow smoother and quicker applications and approvals.

Latrobe City Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Steven Piasente, said with restrictions lifting regional Victorians would appreciate the chance to dine outside during the spring and summer.

"Council’s business development team is already on the front foot to offer advice and assistance by calling all those businesses that are registered under the Food Act. However, if there are other businesses out there that are seeking support or just want to understand more about the help available, we urge them to contact us," Mr Piasente said.

Council will look at ways to ensure the funding could be put to optimum use, with a range of ideas to boost outdoor dining capacity across the City and encourage people back into our towns in a way that meets any restrictions still in place.

Council is working with the state government to streamline processes so that all hospitality businesses, wherever they are located and whatever their current facilities, can enjoy the benefit of this funding package.

"Council is ready to move swiftly to deliver on this package. And residents are ready to support local businesses to help build them up to full strength again. Hospitality was one of the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic and with this package, there is hope. This also presents an opportunity to grow Latrobe City’s reputation as a vibrant foodie hotspot for residents and visitors alike," Mr Piasente said.

For more information, visit www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/business, or call 1300 367 700 to speak to our business development team.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com