Politics & Council
12 February, 2024
Footpath permits needed under federal legislation
FRAGILE peace along the main street of Inglewood in the battle by some traders to display goods on footpaths against federal disability access requirements has been shattered. Online critics this week took aim at Loddon Shire Council for enforcing...
FRAGILE peace along the main street of Inglewood in the battle by some traders to display goods on footpaths against federal disability access requirements has been shattered.
Online critics this week took aim at Loddon Shire Council for enforcing rules in an outpouring of support for antique store owner Catherine Norman who last week closed her Brooke Street store to the public.
She claims the placement of goods near the kerb is impractical outside shops in narrow Brooke Street.
Mrs Norman has claimed that Brooke Street now had the appearance of not being open for business and that her trade had dropped since the council crackdown.
Council last year wrote to Loddon businesses about permits, fees and conditions as officers looked for consistent compliance in all towns.
A meeting called by Inglewood Development and Tourism after the compliance crackdown saw council officers tell traders they wanted to work towards consistency and not leave traders or council open to negligence claims.
Wellbeing director Wendy Gladman on Tuesday said: “Thirty-eight permit applications for street furniture have been received throughout the Shire, for items including advertising signs, goods for sale and outdoor dining. Most of these permits have been issued with some awaiting further information such as evidence of public liability insurance etc.
“Council’s position is that items such as A-frame signs and goods for sale should be placed on the kerbside of the footpath, rather than against the building.
“This guideline has been in place for many years and it is intended to provide a continuous accessible path of travel to allow people with a range of abilities to use the footpath without encountering barriers, in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
“The Act does not provide exemptions based on the size of the town.”
Mrs Gladman said there was no proposal to alter the shire’s guidelines or the permit requirements.
“There have been no new requirements associated with the footpath goods display permits, these have been standard permit conditions for over 18 years.”
The online war of words comes as another Brooke Street trader Carey Ims asked council to review footpath display rules.