More outdoor dining options for West Wimmera

Published on 08 February 2022

West Wimmera residents will have more choice when it comes to eating outdoors, with new dining facilities being installed across the shire.

West Wimmera Shire Council received funding from the state government through the Local Councils Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package program.

The program is to assist hospitality businesses with setting up outdoor dining facilities, as well as brightening streets and activating entertainment experiences.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a delay in the availability and delivery of outdoor furniture. The installation process was also delayed due to insufficient resources and availability of staff.

Council has now started rolling out a range of new outdoor dining furniture across the shire. Installation has already begun in Edenhope and more outdoor facilities for the town are still to come.

Installation will continue in other towns in the shire in the coming weeks.

Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said Council had received very positive feedback so far from both business owners and community members.

“This project has boosted our towns, giving residents and visitors more options when it comes to dining,” he said.

“In this current climate, people often feel safer dining outdoors and this will give them more opportunity to do so.

“To catch up with friends or family in an outdoor environment gives people a chance to meet in a Covid-safe way, while also enjoying the beautiful weather that our part of the world has to offer.”

Council staff have worked closely with hospitality business owners to choose the type of furniture that would suit their needs, and to determine the best locations for these new settings.

Mr Bezuidenhout said the project also gave hospitality venues more options and helped them avoid overcrowding and patron caps on indoor spaces.

“There are currently density limits of one person per two square-metres for all indoor areas in hospitality venues,” he said.

“By offering outdoor dining as well, restaurant and café owners have more scope to serve more people.

“I encourage the community to get out and enjoy the outdoor dining experiences our local businesses have to offer.”

The state government funding also included money for street cleaning at Edenhope and Kaniva, which was completed late last year.