Council is asking everyone to play their part in reducing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and helping keep our community safe.

We acknowledge and understand the challenges our community are facing as we grapple with changing restrictions and health directions from the State Government.

Visit the State Government's website for details on the current stay at home orders and the list of restrictions in place.

These restrictions are aimed at reducing movement and discouraging people from gathering and socialising in groups.

Since the pandemic began, Council has worked in partnership with our business community to find ways to create opportunities and allow businesses to continue trading, despite the restrictions.

We also encourage our residents to shop and support local.

In recent days Council has received complaints from the community about people gathering and socialising in large groups, particularly in parks and outside businesses on footpaths.

Here is a reminder of what you are not allowed to do under your footpath trading permit.

• Only items approved under your permit conditions are allowed to be placed on the footpath.
• Any form of outdoor cooking is not allowed, including barbecues on footpaths.
• You cannot have a separate cash register on the footpath
• All businesses must comply with the conditions of their liquor licence.

It is important to note anyone in Yarra not adhering to the conditions of their footpath trading permit will face enforcement action.

Under the current restrictions there are only five reasons to leave home.  People cannot be gathering in groups, including on footpaths, or meeting up with others at local parks or in other open spaces.

Everyone should be wearing a mask and ensure they are appropriately socially distanced.

We will continue advocating for additional support for our business community during  these challenging times.