Townsville City Council is committed to supporting local businesses by eliminating fees and permits for footpath usage. It’s now easier than ever for businesses in Townsville to use the footpath in front of their premises. Council’s Outdoor Dining and Footpath Activation Policy allows most businesses to operate outdoor dining or activate the street without needing a permit. If your business meets a few basic requirements, you have permission to use the footpath for outdoor dining or activate the street.

  • Visitors walking their dog through the Cotters Market on Flinders Street, Townsville City

    I meet all the requirements

    If you meet all the basic requirements, you don’t need a permit and you start using the footpath for outdoor dining or footpath activation.
  • A lending library upcycled

    I’m not sure if I meet the requirements

    If you’re not sure if you meet the requirements, you can review the checklist to find out.
    Review the Checklist
  • Dining surrounded by street plants

    I think I need a permit

    If you need a permit, you can apply online. For businesses requiring permits, you will need to provide a site plan and maintain appropriate public liability insurance.
    Apply for a Permit

The Strand Foreshore

Businesses located on The Strand can apply for a permit to use the foreshore space for outdoor dining or activation. Council will approve the use of The Strand foreshore for outdoor dining in a way that balances community expectations for other uses of the space and is not detrimental to the amenity of The Strand. Businesses who have permits for The Strand foreshore may still operate outdooring or activation on the footpath.

Outdoor dining activation at the Strand Kiosk, Townsville.

Outdoor dining activation at the Strand Kiosk, Townsville.

Frequently Asked Questions

You need to have a lawful food and drink business, occupy a fixed premises and have a current food licence. Otherwise, just ensure you meet all the basic requirements for outdoor dining.

Any business with a fixed premises can do footpath activation, as long they meet all the basic requirements.

If you meet all the extra requirements for outdoor dining, you can do both outdoor dining and other types of activation, as long as you meet all the basic requirements.

If you don’t meet the basic requirements, you may still be able to do outdoor dining or footpath activation, but you will need to apply for a permit.

When assessing applications for outdoor dining permits, Council will consider all relevant issues, including, but not limited to:

  • whether the proposed area of use is located immediately adjacent to the applicant’s existing commercial premises
  • whether the commercial premises is located on the Strand
  • pedestrian usage of the area
  • vehicular usage of the area
  • the safety of patrons of the proposed outdoor dining area
  • amenity
  • streetscaping.

If you are proposing to build a permanent structure for outdoor dining, you will need to refer to the Townsville City Plan - SC6.4.20.2 Outdoor Dining Design.

For businesses that require a permit, your public liability insurance must meet the following requirements:

  • the Business Name
  • the total cover value of at least $20,000,000
  • a reference to outdoor dining
  • list Townsville City Council as an interested party.

Need to speak to someone?

If you require further advice, please contact us.