City of Wanneroo to investigate food truck trial

FOOD trucks could start operating in the City of Wanneroo from this month as part of a six-month trial.

A report by the City detailing guidelines of a summer food truck trial from December to June next year was presented to councillors at this week’s briefing session.

It recommends adopting the trial, which would allocate specific trading zones and hours of trade and limit the number of trucks allowed at each location at any one time.

It will test two models of operation; the first will run in the south ward, with a small business operator organising food trucks at Blackmore Park in Girrawheen, Shelvock Park in Koondoola and Highview Park in Alexander Heights once per fortnight at the exclusion of other vendors.

The second model will operate in all wards and is based on a similar trial run by the City of Vincent, where pre-approved trading zones will have specific trading hours and a limited number of trucks.

The report lists potential sites as Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex in Madeley, Wanneroo’s Clarkside Park, Avondale Park in Mindarie and Mintaro Park in Quinns Rocks, with a final selection made after on-site investigations.

This model requires operators to register with the City and would make co-ordination, promotion and rostering their responsibility.

“They may choose to work on a first-arrival basis or they may choose to organise themselves into a roster for each pre-approved trading zone as is the case in the City of Vincent,” the report said.

Cr Dot Newton said while it was a good idea, she was concerned with the choice of Clarkside Park as it would be “detrimental to the environmental”.

City growth manager Nicholas Stawarz said the City could investigate an alternative location.

The suitability of Mintaro Park was questioned by Cr Natalie Sangalli because of existing nearby coffee shops and suggested Merriwa could be more appropriate, while Cr Fenn asked if preferred operating times could be made.

Planning and sustainability director Mark Dickson said the criteria could be amended.

“We tried to address the issue of competition,” he said.

“What we don’t want to do is be detrimental to existing cafés.”

Councillors will decide whether to support the trial at Tuesday’s meeting.