Let’s make our footpaths work for everyone

Published on 20 May 2025

Mornington Peninsula Shire is reviewing its Footpath Trading Policy – and we want your thoughts on how footpaths are used, shared and enjoyed across the Peninsula. 

The Policy sets out how local businesses can trade on footpaths – with things like outdoor dining, signage or product displays – while making sure these shared spaces stay safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone. 

The updated draft includes clearer rules around where furniture and goods can go, and how to ensure there’s always enough space for people to move through comfortably.  

It’s about making sure our footpaths work for everyone – from café customers to commuters, shoppers to stroller-pushers. 

Whether you're a permit holder or a regular visitor to our town centres, we want to know your experiences. Was the permit process easy to navigate? Have you ever found footpath trading to be a barrier – perhaps blocking access, creating noise or contributing to clutter? 

You can also tell us what you value about footpath trading, like the street vibrancy it creates or the support it offers to local business, and what we could do to improve the experience for everyone. 

The feedback collected will help refine the final Policy, balancing the needs of businesses with the broader community. 

How to provide your thoughts

Community consultation is currently open and closes 15 June 2025.  

Online 

Go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/footpathpolicy and take the survey online 

In writing 

Hard copy feedback forms are available on request at any of our Customer Service Centres at Hastings, Mornington and Rosebud.

You can submit them via email at footpathtrading@mornpen.vic.gov.au or via post:  

Footpath Trading Policy  
Mornington Peninsula Shire 
Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, Victoria, 3939 

Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh: 

“Footpaths are shared spaces – they need to work for businesses and customers, but also remain safe, clear and accessible for the wider community. This consultation is about getting that balance right.  

“Your everyday experience on our footpaths matters. We want to know what’s important to you – what makes a footpath space work, what gets in the way, and what could be improved.”