Trade made easier by winning Council partnership

The Cities of Canning, Gosnells and Town of Victoria Park have won the prestigious Economic Development of Australia, National Partnership and Collaboration Award.  The project was borne out of the South East Corridor Councils Alliance with three of the member Councils participating.

The award was for the development of a ‘simplified trading partnership permit; with the aim of streamlining the process for mobile food vendors in the region.

Vendors can now apply for a permit to operate their mobile businesses throughout all three local government areas with just one application. 

“Food Trucks and stalls add vibrancy and economic diversity to any area, however, the nature of their operations mean they have to complete forms and provide documents to be permitted to trade in each local government boundary.  Collectively we recognised this as inefficient and an unnecessary burden for small businesses” said the Mayor of Victoria Park, Karen Vernon.

The three local governments recognised this project could form part of the COVID-19 response for businesses. From here, the idea of a Simplified Trading Partnership Permit was created to provide a streamlined application and permit solution.

Since its launch last year, 247 mobile food vendors have applied for the permit. Feedback from vendors was that the process had greatly improved the ability to trade across the region.

“Working with neighbouring Local Governments to support small businesses was simply good sense,” City of Gosnells Acting Chief Executive Officer Martyn Glover said.

“Instead of applying for three separate permits, the Simplified Trading Partnership Permit means mobile food vendors only have to apply for one permit, reducing red tape for vendors and all three Local Governments,” he said.

City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall said that the partnership was an example of Local Governments working collaboratively to deliver more choice for their communities.

“I’m looking forward to seeing a greater range of new and interesting food and beverage trucks operating from our local events, as well as venues that will be licensed for mobile businesses, throughout our three cities over the coming events season.”