Industry Gives a Truck About Sustainability

Industry association Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) has said the South Australian Government must ensure growth in food truck permits doesn’t hurt existing businesses.

The Weatherill Government has indicated it intends to amend the Local Government Act, limiting the ability of local councils to restrict the number of permits, operating hours and style of food sold by increasingly popular food truck operators.

R&CA chief executive officer John Hart said while food trucks are an attractive alternative as overheads aren’t as high, a balanced mix of both existing and alternative dining options is integral for the sector to remain sustainable.

An R&CA member survey indicated 70 per cent of operators believed their income had been affected during March, with losses up to $50,000 across a six-week period, corresponding with a significant increase in food trucks.

The R&CA has continued its support for requirements that restrict the number, placement and operating hours of food truck about sustainability in relation to existing businesses.