Food Trucks
Consultation has concluded
Project update: The Mobile Food Vending Vehicles (Food Trucks) Policy was endorsed by Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 27 May 2025.
Overall, there was broad community support for the draft policy and food trucks in general, with many recognising their role in enhancing local vibrancy, providing affordable dining options, and activating public spaces.
Some concerns were also raised, particularly around noise and emissions from generators, waste management, parking loss, and the potential impact on nearby residents and businesses. There was strong opposition to the proposed fixed site on Dacre Street, Malabar.
Based on community feedback, the following changes were made to the draft policy:
- Introduce a limit of three itinerant mobile food vending vehicles in Council car parks at any one time
- Remove the Dacre Street, Malabar fixed site from the policy
- Reduce fixed site fees by 30%, from $3200 to $2240 (peak) and from $2400 to $1680 (off-peak), to be reflected in the 2025–26 Fees and Charges
- Add a cancellation clause for approvals
- Endorse the revised Mobile Food Vending Vehicles Policy as permanent
You can read the Council Report here, meeting minutes from the Council meeting here, and the Community Consultation Report here.
Since 2020 Randwick Council has been bringing a love of food and the outdoors to locations across our City with our food truck program.
What started as a Covid response to provide localised social opportunities, has expanded with food trucks and food vans proving popular with residents and successfully activating outdoor areas.
Randwick Council aims to:
- Support food trucks and vans
- Expand food choices for residents and visitors
- Fairly manage the impact of food trucks on existing businesses and residents
- Encourage food trucks from outside the Randwick LGA
- Activate underutilised spaces, creating vibrant and engaging places for people to meet
- Trial a monthly food truck market concept
- Continue and expand the Council-managed Eat Drink Play food truck events
To help manage the operation of food trucks and food vans and balance the needs of local businesses and residents, Council has developed a draft Mobile Food Vending Vehicles Policy.
In this policy, Council is proposing two models for food trucks to operate:
1. Itinerant model
Under this approach, food trucks and vans can trade in car parks and on streets throughout Randwick City.
- Food trucks and vans are required to obtain a vending license and pay an annual application fee. This cost is approximately $1,500 per year.
- Food trucks and vans are restricted from trading on state roads or within 200 metres of a food-related business.
*Food Truck operators interested in trading in Randwick City under the itinerant model, please contact business@randwick.nsw.gov.au
2. Fixed site model
Food truck operators who want exclusive use of a location, can pay a higher monthly fee of up to $3,200 to access one of three nominated fixed site locations for a month at a time:
- Clovelly Beach
- Yarra Bay Beach
- Malabar Beach option 1 or Malabar Beach option 2 (an operator can choose one of two sites)
Please note the itinerant and fixed site food truck operation models are now in effect as part of a trial period while we undertake community consultation.
Have your say
This is your opportunity to help shape the future of food trucks and vans in Randwick City. Are you a food truck or van operator? Do you live in Randwick City or have you bought food from a food truck or van?
We encourage you to read the draft policy and share your ideas and feedback by:
- Completing an online submission
- Sending your comments headed "Draft Mobile Food Vending Vehicles Policy" to council@randwick.nsw.gov.au or mailing to 30 Frances Street, Randwick NSW 2031.
Feedback open: 17 February to 31 March 2025.
