Maitland City Council

What you need to know

FEE STRUCTURE (2026-27, confirmed from Maitland City Council fees schedule): Annual Food Act admin fee — Small (≤5 FTE food handlers): $570/yr. Medium (6–50 FTE): $1,170/yr. Large (>50 FTE): $5,115/yr. All fees GST-free. Mobile/temporary food premises inspection: $204.45/visit (GST-free). Re-inspection: $204.45. Pre-purchase inspection: $475. Notification (new premises or change of business owner): $120. FTE means full time equivalent; food handler means a person who directly engages in the handling of food for a food business. REGISTRATION PROCESS: All food businesses must register with Council before trading. If based in Maitland LGA (including garaging/storing vehicle) and selling medium-to-high risk food or not previously approved by Maitland: submit Application Form. If approved by another council, selling low-risk food only, or a community charity previously approved: Notification Form only. Annual inspections for medium-high risk vendors. 50m buffer from existing open food premises serving same/similar food (measured straight-line to main entrance). STREET EATS PROGRAM: designated Council-land sites for approved mobile food vehicles (scheduling managed by Council). Each approved vehicle can trade up to 5 hours maximum per location per approval. PLI $20M noting Maitland City Council as interested party (confirmed). Third Party Property Damage $20M also required. Draft updated Mobile Food in Public Places Policy published July 2025 — check maitland.nsw.gov.au for current policy status. Free outdoor dining approval available (contact business@maitland.nsw.gov.au or 02 4931 2816).