There was an emphatic and positive response to the development of the Vibrant Spaces initiative when it was tabled for discussion at MidCoast Council’s February strategic committee meeting held at the Forster council chambers.
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Councillors did not hesitate to give their approval to the plan as council’s community spaces and services director Paul De Szell was presenting a summary to expand the initiative to all town centres via a revised footpath activities policy.
“It’s a great policy,” Cr David Keegan said.
“It’s just great, it’s commonsense,” Cr Karen Hutchinson added.
Councillor Kathryn Bell outlined how displays needed to avoid being a tripping hazard while councillors Brad Christensen and Jan McWilliams discussed the possibility of business owners “overstepping their mark” and taking up more space than allocated.
“If there is a dispute, our economics staff will engage with them,” Mr De Szell said.
The initiative was first introduced to Taree in 2014 with an aim to boost local business and economy as well as street vibrancy. It was rolled out in Gloucester in July 2017 for a trail period of six months.
