The main objectives of the policy are to:

• Set criteria for the operation of mobile food vending vehicles on Council-owned and managed land in the Shellharbour City Council’s Local Government Area.
• Encourage the activation of public spaces through a flexible food vending offer.
• Establish that mobile food vending vehicles are adequately equipped and meet relevant standards.
• Set criteria so that mobile food vending vehicles operate safely and in accordance with the rules and restrictions on Council-owned and managed land.
• Guard that food sold through mobile food vending vehicles is safe and fit for human consumption.
• Minimise any potential adverse impacts of mobile food vending vehicles on residential amenity, and the environment.
• Support sustainable economic and retail practices.

If the draft Policy is adopted following the Public Exhibition period, Food Truck businesses will be able to seek Council's approval to operate on public land across the LGA in accordance with the Policy.

Additionally, Council staff plan to subsequently seek Council's consideration (via a separate and future Council report) to establish a future trial of Food Trucks in defined public spaces for the upcoming daylight savings period (late 2024 and early 2025) with the opportunity for extended hours and periods of land occupation. The trial program will aim to deliver clear direction, transparency, and equal opportunity in permitting and approving Food Trucks to operate on a regular basis during the trial. Successful participants will pay Council a fee which will be determined via an open market process.

Post the 6 month trial period, community feedback and consultation will be undertaken prior to any potential extension.

The draft Policy sets out a 400m buffer requirement between any Food Truck and any already established business with similar food or beverage offerings (Note: “similar food or beverage offerings” are determined at the sole discretion of Council staff).

Should the Policy be endorsed (after exhibition) and any circumstance arise where there is conflict between a bricks and mortar business and Food Truck's, Council staff will seek to establish an outcome that doesn't place an unreasonable impost or disadvantage on the operations of the bricks and mortar business.

Locations will be recommended after assessment against criteria that considers competition, safety, environmental and amenity impacts, access, and planning policy. This process will allow Council officers to propose locations where adverse impacts are minimised and activation potential is maximised.