Activating Outdoor Spaces to Boost Economy

Published on 05 November 2021

Council has been awarded $300,000 to drive economic and social activity through the Victorian Government’s Outdoor Economy Package.

Last year, the Victorian Government awarded Council funds for outdoor dining activation which was spent on bolstering hospitality businesses like installing marquees on footpaths to extend dining spaces.

This new funding is intended to serve a broader business base and in addition to hospitality is designed to help gyms, creative businesses, personal/beauty services and non-essential retail by supporting Council to facilitate the activation of more outdoor spaces.

Mayor Cr Mark Holcombe said that the funds enhance economic and social activity in key spaces across the Shire.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to refresh our public spaces as we open our borders again,” said Cr Holcombe.

“For Melbourne Cup Weekend, we used a very small amount of the funding to provide additional seating and shade structures in High Street Mansfield knowing that we would be expecting big crowds. This is an example of how we are able to use these funds, there is $150,000 for temporary and $150,000 for semi-permanent and permanent structures and solutions.

“This funding will increase economic activity across our Shire and create lasting positive impacts for our business community.”

Tell us your ideas for driving economic and social activity across our Shire by 12 November by going to our Engage Portal and registering.

Council is also consulting with businesses to identify opportunities for consideration. If you have a business within these target sectors and would like to provide feedback, please contact Council’s Economic Development Team via email at economic.development@mansfield.vic.gov.au or by calling Council’s Senior Coordinator Community and Economic Development, Saskia Van Bever on 5775 8534.