One councillor will vote against it and two have reserved their judgement until the final report and debate in the meeting.

Cr Yvonne Braid said she would oppose the motion because Wagga’s hospitality trade was still being affected by the drought and would soon have to cope with the annual slow period after New Year’s Day.

“I am not for a trial or even thinking about it because many businesses are out there having a hard time and some people around the area are suffering due to the lack of rain,” she said.

“They are the people who come into town to shop in Wagga.” 

Cr Braid also said she was also concerned that the food vans might reduce the ability for charity groups and sports teams to raise money with barbecues and other food stalls.

The vote has already been delayed for a councillor workshop on rules and area restrictions for the trial.

If the motion passes, vendors would not be allowed to operate “within 200 metres of a food and drink premise or boundary of a licensed event area”. 

The trial would be restricted to areas at Wagga Beach, Bolton Park, Wiradjuri Reserve, Jubilee Park, Lake Albert, Copland Street and Estella between January 1 and May 30.

Cr Paul Funnell said he had no issue with food trucks operating in some of the nominated locations, but areas like Estella would soon have rival shops and Bolton Park was too close to Baylis Street. 

“We need to be really careful, because while we don’t have a legal obligation, we have a moral obligation to protect the bricks and mortar businesses who are doing it very difficult. 

“I don’t want to talk business down but it is tough times. I don’t want them within cooee of established businesses.” 

Cr Tim Koschel said he was still considering how he would vote.

“I still think there needs to be a bit of fine tuning before I can approve it,” he said.

Cr Rod Kendall said it would depend on the final motion and the debate in the chamber.

“I support, in principle, the trial and believe that it is part of council’s role to look at innovative retail opportunities with the city.”

Cr Vanessa Keenan said she would support the motion as it fostered business development.

“I think a lot of the food truck operators are existing or emerging businesses in the city..it will be a chance for people to expand from home-based businesses.”

Cr Dan Hayes said he would support the trial.

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