A petition signed by more than 650 residents has been delivered to Armidale Regional Council requesting a mobile coffee cart be allowed to set up at the new children's playground in Curtis Park.
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But they have to get around a council rule which prevents it from happening.
Young mum, Janna Hayes, has been in Armidale for three years, and she addressed the council at its ordinary March meeting on Tuesday.
Ms Hayes said she was speaking on behalf of Vanessa Petersen who put together the online petition some months ago asking that council establish a permanent site at the new playground in Curtis Park, for coffee vans and food trucks to rent.
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"We understand that this is not the world's biggest problem," Ms Hayes began.
"But we do really want to be able to have coffee at the new park, and it would make such a great asset to Armidale even better, and a lot of parents very happy."
Ms Hayes said it would mean park goers have access to quality coffee and would 'create a community atmosphere'.
"It could also provide rates to the council, so it is not necessarily going to cost you anything, and it would provide an additional platform for small business owners from which to sell coffee and snacks," she said.
"There is a strong desire in the community, as evidenced by the petition.
"The petition was signed not just by mums and dads, but also by grandparents who are keen, as are babysitters, older brothers and sisters - everyone that goes to the park would like to see this happen."
Everyone the petition organisers spoke to said they loved the idea Ms Hayes said.
"They were shocked that it couldn't just happen and had to go through council," she said.
"The community love the idea because they recognise that Armidale has an emerging street food culture, and they genuinely want an alternative to Hungry Jacks as fast food does not serve all tastes, and for a lot of parents, it's just not a viable alternative.
"Many parents don't want to drag their kids across the road to get coffee, so you'd have to leave them at the park, which is not OK, or drive up to the mall, and to be honest, no one's driving to the mall with little kids - so you are not taking away from any existing businesses.
"It's just adding business in because, at the moment, people are just not getting anything."
Ms Hayes said The Herd coffee van was enthusiastic and keen to rent the site once made available.
"So it's fair to say there are small businesses wanting to see it happen as well as really strong community support for it," she said.
"This presents an opportunity for the council to demonstrate that you are listening and responsive to the needs of locals.
"There is a big goodwill benefit and also a small additional income for the council."
Ms Hayes also said that in light of the shutdown of BigW and Target, the community wanted to see evidence that the council is committed to keeping Armidale 'as a liveable city that services the community'.
"This is a way to do this, so I really encourage you to think about it and give it a big green tick," she said.
Cr Margaret O'Connor moved that 'the general manager be requested to develop a policy for the deployment of coffee and food vans at various events and locations in the local government area where a need or market is demonstrated, and there is no safe and/or practicable fixed outlet for coffee and food of a similar type'.
"I think Ms Hayes presentation says it all," Cr O'Connor said.
"It's a small thing, but it's something that can enliven spaces where the community wants to see more activation.
"All that is being asked is that a policy is developed, and we are reviewing our policies at the moment, so it is an ideal time to do that.
"A similar need is anticipated at Dumaresq Dam recreation area as council planning to date on the upgrade has excluded a permanent kiosk.
"There is increasing pressure for various locations and events around the local government area to be able to use mobile food and coffee vans, which at present appears to be not in line with current policy."
Cr Dorothy Robinson seconded the motion, saying 'it was a no brainer'.
"There are so many benefits and no drawbacks, and I think we need to decide where our priorities are while we are in charge of this council," she said.
"Let's look into our finances, and if we can't afford this, then there is something radically wrong with this council."
Cr Andrew Murat asked if there was an existing policy on food vans, to which ARC director of businesses and services Scott MacDonald replied there was.
"There is a basic policy, but it's probably not as comprehensive as we need," he said.
Mr MacDonald then outlined the relevant points to the council: 'the vending vehicle shall not operate within 100 metres of any retail food premise open for trading or within 100 metres of any licensed premises.
"Our planning staff rely on that," he said.
"I'm happy to circulate that policy to see if that needs amending."
Cr O'Connor agreed the matter could be deferred to the April ordinary meeting to allow Mr MacDonald time to circulate the current policy to councillors.
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Vanessa Arundale
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
