Food trucks given green light to operate at nine sites across City of Rockingham

Mobile business operators will now be allowed to trade at nine different sites across the City of Rockingham after an updated Traders Policy was recently given the green light.

Council’s adoption of the updated policy means mobile food traders can now apply for a permit to operate at selected sites that will have minimal impact on ‘bricks and mortar’ style established businesses in the nearby area. 

The locations featured in the updated policy include Secret Harbour Foreshore, Safety Bay Foreshore (Malibu Road), Long Point in Port Kennedy, Waikiki Foreshore (Francis Street), Singleton Foreshore, Shoalwater Reserve Activity Node, Governor Road Reserve in East Rockingham, Fantasy Park in Waikiki and City Park in Rockingham.   

Under the policy there will be a flexible permit system that allows operators to nominate locations for use on a daily basis, opening up the potential for a variety of mobile operators to trade at a particular location throughout the year. 

Mayor Deb Hamblin said the updated Traders Policy would help to stimulate local businesses and activate community spaces that would otherwise remain unused. 

“A strategic aspiration for the City is to actively pursue tourism and economic development, and Council’s adoption of the updated Traders Policy aligns strongly with this,” Mayor Hamblin said. 

“The City consulted widely with the community on this policy and the feedback we received, particularly from mobile food business owners, has been taken on board. These operators will now be able to take their services into new spaces that community members will be able to enjoy year-round.  

“The updated policy strikes a healthy balance between protecting existing businesses and providing an innovative way for mobile operators to take advantage of new opportunities. We thank community members for providing their feedback during this process.”   

The policy will be supported by two guidelines – the Traders Guidelines (Non-Food) and Traders Guideline (Food).