Customers of the popular cafe prevented the Geelong City Council from removing an outdoor structure that was deemed unsafe.
The Local owner, Ben McLauchlan, said the local council has been trying to remove the outdoor dining area since 2022.
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” In 2020, we had full council support to install the parklet but in 2022 council commissioned and paid for an independent road safety audit with clear recommendations which we worked closely with the city and agreed to implement safety improvements and funding.
“The city then cancelled the agreement and commissioned a second road safety audit in 2023, which also had clear recommendations that we agreed to implement.
In 2024, the city unlawfully canceled our permit, fined us for a permitted structure, and failed to move forward with the court process.
“Then came the third independent road safety audit which again had clear recommendations we agreed to implement.
“By 1:14pm on 23 January, we met all of the documentation requests, including certified engineered designs, accredited road safety docs, and support from the Department of Transport and Planning.
“Last night, at 7pm, city contractors showed up at Local to forcibly remove our parklet.
“We immediately called on you to show up in support. And, as always, you didn’t let us down.
“We are hopeful the council does the right thing, supports small business like every other council.”
