Maintain a Safe Environment

Operating Requirements
for a Safe Environment

To maintain a safe environment, follow these operating steps:

maintain access to bins, driveways, public seating, pedestrian crossings and kerb ramps (including for disabled parking)
maintain a safe environment for people with vision impairment or mobility challenges
keep all outdoor furniture including tables, chairs and umbrellas safe and not obstruct pedestrians
remove all furniture and items when not trading.

Image: Storefronts along Flinders Street, Townsville. Someone plays Jan Hynes' artwork Pink Piano, originally created for Ephemera in 2009.

Download these Tips (PDF)

You can use the area on the footpath in front of your shop on Council controlled roads.

Businesses seeking to operate outdoor dining on state-controlled roads will need to apply to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

For more information, please refer to Queensland Government mapping services.

In most instances, you will need to leave some space before the kerb, such as:

behind a wall, structural fence or crash barrier (no setback required)
beside a no standing zone (0.3m setback)
beside a parking space/parking lane (0.8m setback)
beside a traffic lane that is 40km/h or slower (0.8m setback)
beside a traffic lane that is 50km/h or 60km/h (1.2m setback).

Please note: Roads with speed limits higher than 60km/h are not suitable for outdoor dining and footpath activation.

Example 1

Space is behind a wall, structural fence or crash barrier (no setback required).
Example 2

Space is beside a no standing zone (0.3m setback).
Example 3

Space is beside a parking space/parking lane (0.8m setback).
Example 4

Space is beside a traffic lane that is 40km/h or slower (0.8m setback).
Example 5

Space is beside a traffic lane that is 50km/h or 60km/h (1.2m setback).