Food trucks forever

Food truck fever has well and truly struck Southbank and the Yarra River precinct, with the City of Melbourne announcing that five permanent locations for food truck vendors will be operational early next year.

Two permanent and two rotational trucks will call the NGV and Arts Centre forecourt home, while three other locations will be stationed along Northbank at Lez Erdi Plaza (between Sandridge and Evan Walker Bridge), Rebecca Walk and Enterprize Park.Another food truck site will be located on Peel St in the CBD.

These sites will become home to 17 food truck vendors with some becoming permanent residents and others rotating on a monthly schedule, ensuring variety.

“We think this is a wonderful addition to the variety of food already on offer in Melbourne. It’s a much more casual way of eating, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less in quality,” the Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said.

“We already have a pretty impressive culinary offer and this just adds to it. It’s part of vibrant street scene.”

Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular for both customers and potential vendors, with the City of Melbourne having already received 500 permit applications.

The selection process will be the standard method, conducted via a panel of five council staff. Criteria for the “Food Truck Policy” includes healthy food options, high quality presentation, a commitment to sustainable practices and a strong social media following in order to gain as much foot traffic as possible at these precincts.

Exemplifying these criteria at last month’s announcement at the Arts Centre were established vendors Mr Burger, Soul Kitchen and Nem N Nem.

“These are examples of what we want to see,” Cr Doyle said. “Healthy food, sustainable practices and a diversity of offer.”