Options for diners

West Wimmera residents will soon have greater choice to eat outdoors with the installation of new facilities across the municipality.

West Wimmera Shire Council is using State Government funding to develop and support hospitality business facilities.

The government’s Local Councils Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package program is designed to help businesses as well as brighten streets and activate entertainment experiences.

Insufficient resources and delivery hold-ups due to the COVID-19 pandemic delayed provision of outdoor furniture, which the council is now rolling out across the shire.

Installations have started in Edenhope and will continue in other towns in coming weeks.

Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout said business owners and people in the community had provided positive feedback about the project.

“This project has boosted our towns, giving residents and visitors more options when it comes to dining,” he said.

“In this climate, people often feel safer dining outdoors and this will give them more opportunity to do so.

“To catch up with friends or family in an outdoor environment gives people a chance to meet in a COVID-SAFE way, while also enjoying the beautiful weather that our part of the world has to offer.”

State Government funding also included money for street cleaning at Edenhope and Kaniva, which the council completed late last year.