Fee Reduction Program for footway dining

To assist small local businesses with footway dining approvals, Woollahra Council has introduced a Fee Reduction Program trial to commence from 1 July 2026.

What is the Fee Reduction Program?

The Fee Reduction Program provides a 50% reduction in Footway and Parklet Approval fees for footway dining for eligible Small Local Businesses operating within the Woollahra LGA.

The program has been introduced as a 12-month trial commencing on 1 July 2026. 

Why is Council introducing the Fee Reduction Program?

Council supports and encourages footway dining as a means of creating a vibrant community and creating opportunities for businesses to grow and prosper.

Council recognises that many small hospitality businesses continue to face increased financial pressures arising from inflation, operating costs, changing consumer behaviour, and broader cost-of-living challenges.

The Fee Reduction Program aims to provide targeted financial relief to eligible Small Local Businesses while supporting outdoor dining and maintaining vibrant local centres.

When does the Program take effect?

The Fee Reduction Program will commence on 1 July 2026, and operate on a 12-month trial basis. 

For compliant Fee Reduction Program applications submitted by or on 30 September 2026 for existing Footway Approval holders as at 1 July 2026, your fee reduction will be back-dated to 1 July 2026.

For compliant Fee Reduction Program applications submitted from 1 October 2026 for existing or new Footway Approval holders, your reduction will be applied from the next billing month.

Who is eligible? 

A business operator may apply if:

  • They hold, or are applying for, a Footway Approval for footway dining; and
  • They operate as a restaurant, café or takeaway shop at the approval location, where food is the primary offering;

If they are an existing approval holder, they must:

  • Be up-to-date with NIL footway fees outstanding; and
  • Not already be receiving the existing 50% morning-only trading reduction.

Business operators must also meet the Gross Turnover Threshold for the individual approval location, which is:

  • $3 million or less gross annual turnover for the FY2025/26 year (if trade commenced at the approval location on 1 July 2025 or prior); or
  • $3 million or less projected annual turnover for the FY2026/27 year (if trade commenced at the approval location after 1 July 2025).

How can I apply?

A business operator may apply via www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/FRP or complete the form below.

When applying, all applicants will need to provide the following:

  1. A letter from a Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) that:
    • Is on official letterhead;
    • Is signed and dated;
    • Identifies the business entity, ABN, approval holder and trading address; and

    • Confirms:

      • (If trade commenced at approval location on or before 1 July 2025): That the gross annual turnover for the individual premises was $3 million or less for the 2025/26 Financial Year; OR
      • (If trade commenced at approval location after 1 July 2025): That the gross turnover projection for the individual premises is $3 million or less for the 2026/27 Financial Year.
  2. A current Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance for not less than $20 million noting “Woollahra Municipal Council” as an interested party; and
  3. A current Certificate of Currency for Workers’ Compensation.

For existing approval holders, they will also need to provide:

  • A copy of their existing Footway Approval; and
  • Confirmation that their footway and/or parklet fees are not in arrears.

A separate application should be made for each individual business location you are applying for. 

This application is at no cost.

Apply for the Fee Reduction for Footway Dining Program

Click here to view form.

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