There may soon be more opportunities to eat on the street after Bundaberg Regional Council boosted local business by slashing outdoor dining fees, aiming to create more vibrant and connected CBD spaces.
Footpath dining is a type of commercial use of public land and it is managed through Council’s fees and charges through a ‘per chair’ charge.
In its 2025-2026 Fees and Charges schedule the fee for hospitality venues to utilise public space to serve patrons was significantly reduced from $57 to $15 per chair.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the new fees applied to renewals in 2026 and the goal of the fee reduction was to encourage a more active and vibrant hospitality culture across the region.
“Outdoor dining in our CBD spaces can foster more welcoming spaces, enticing people to spend more time in the CBD and stay longer while they’re there,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“We know many small businesses are doing it tough during this cost-of-living crisis and we want to implement strategies to support them and foster growth wherever possible.
“This initiative will provide some relief to the operating costs of local businesses while encouraging more cafes, bars and restaurants to expand their dining options.”
Local business owner Nerida Spoor runs two restaurants in the CBD area and said the reduction of outdoor dining fees would support the hospitality industry while helping create a more vibrant atmosphere in the city centre.
“The reduction of these fees helps to ease some of the financial pressure on local businesses and encourages venues to make the most of our beautiful outdoor spaces for diners to enjoy,” she said
“At Casa Menta we have approximately 10 outdoor tables and at River Cruz Café we have six permanent picnic tables on the deck.
“I find that people really enjoy sitting outside in the fresh air.
“Bundaberg has such a lovely climate – what better way to enjoy a meal then to be outdoors- especially when you have views of the river?”
While the decision to slice the outdoor dining fees by 80% was made almost 12 months ago, Mayor Blackburn said the initiative dovetailed perfectly with Council’s Safe Spaces, Thriving Places campaign.
“We’re working collaboratively with CBD traders to reclaim the vibrancy of our CBD.
“More dining opportunities in our beautiful outdoors is a fantastic way to support that goal.
“As a Small Business Friendly Council we’re committed to working proactively with local traders on strategies and programs which will not only create more dining opportunities for residents and visitors but also help those businesses to flourish.
“It’s one of a number of initiatives we’re implementing as part of the Safe Spaces, Thriving Places campaign.”
The reduced fees will take effect from the issue of the 2026 outdoor dining and food licence renewal period.
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The old guardian building could be a great eatery with outdoor dining added theres already tables there ready to go.
Ratepayers supporting small business owners of dining business probably never knew they were being charged on a per chair basis. i think most if us round the place would be shocked that council injects itself so much into the dining enterprise. no wonder there’s limited seating everywhere.
Ratepayers may weigh the pros and cons of this arrangement and i have a feeling they would rather extinguish the whole cost per chair. maybe Ratepayers can then get a coffee back under 5 bucks. who knows?
Maybe ratepayers love this arrangement. who knows?
This was an interesting read with a clear explanation of the topic. I appreciate the effort that went into putting this together. Looking forward to more posts like this.