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                    Food vans

                    A plate of tacos.
                    We operate the food van program, enabling operators to access space within our municipality to trade on a permanent or semi-regular basis.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The locations offered under the program are in areas identified as having no or low numbers of cafes or restaurants, to help add to the vibrancy and amenity of these areas.

                    ​​​Currently, there are two premium sites and seven​​​ standard sites for food vans across the city.

                    Application requirements

                    Applications for food van permits are currently handled via an expression of interest (EOI) process, with permits for premium and standard sites offered for two years.

                    Expressions of interest recently closed so we’re not currently accepting new applications.​

                    Locations and fees

                    We have a number of sites across the municipality included in the food van program. Food van operators can only trade in specific designated locations under a City of Melbourne food van permit. 

                    When you submit your application, you’ll be asked to select your first and second preferred site number from the list below.

                    ​Site number​​

                    ​Location
                    Catego​ry​​
                    Monthly fee​
                    ​1
                    ​St Kilda Road Adjacent to State Theatre (Arts centre) (two spaces)
                    ​Premium
                    ​$1053
                    ​2
                    ​St Kilda Road Adjacent to NGV (two spaces)
                    ​Premium
                    ​$1053
                    ​3
                    ​Boathouse Drive, East of Rowing Sheds (two spaces)
                    ​Standard
                    ​$207
                    ​4
                    ​East side of Lansdowne St, 50m north of Wellington Parade  (one space)
                    ​Standard
                    ​$207
                    ​5
                    ​East side of Birdwood Avenue  Adjacent to Gate D of RBG, near Domain Rd Intersection (two spaces)
                    ​Standard
                    ​$207
                    ​6
                    ​West side of William St, Adjacent to Flagstaff Gardens, Opposite Radisson Hotel Standard (one space)
                    ​Standard
                    ​$207
                    ​7
                    ​East side of Royal Parade adjacent to Toilet block - near Park Street (two spaces)
                    ​Standard
                    ​$207
                    ​8
                    ​Alexandra Avenue, Adjacent to Toilet Block 107, Between Swan St and Anderson St (two spaces)
                    ​Standard
                    ​$207
                    ​9
                    ​North of the main Zoo entry off Elliott Avenue  (one space)
                    ​Standard
                    ​$207

                    In addition to the monthly fee, there will be a one-off inspection fee of $207 for food vans shortlisted in the EOI.

                    *All fees and charges are subject to an annual review as part of Council’s fees and charges review process.

                    Other locations

                    Other opportunities to operate a food van within the City of Melbourne include markets, events and festivals, or privately managed public spaces.

                    We will not issue a City of Melbourne food van permit to operate at markets, events and festivals, or privately managed locations.

                    Examples of privately managed spaces include:

                    • ​Queen Victoria Market
                    • Federation Square
                    • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
                    • Royal Exhibition Centre.

                    To enquire about trading at one of these locations or at an event, market or festival within the municipality, you will need to contact the event organiser or relevant location directly.​

                    How to apply

                    Applications are currently closed. When applications open again, this is how you can apply:

                    • Check you meet the requirements before applying. Read the terms and conditions (DOCX 29 KB)​ you must comply with and ensure you’re registered with FoodTrader​ and have public liability insurance cover of $20 million.
                    • Submit your expression of interest before the closing date.
                    • We will assess your submission. Hang tight while we review all applications. We aim to make a decision within two weeks. We’ll check you’ve provided a complete application and whether you satisfy requirements such as safety, amenity, diversity and sustainability.
                    • We’ll let you know if you’re successful. If you’re selected, we’ll also provide you with an invoice for payment of the permit and inspection fee.
                    • Once you make payment, we’ll issue your permit and you’re good to go!

                    If you don’t provide all the required information and documents, we won’t assess your application.​

                    ​​Contact us

                    Need more help? Ask us a question.

                    ​For food van-related questions, use 'Food van​' as the subject.​

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