City of Melbourne
City of Melbourne · VIC
What you need to know
TWO SEPARATE PROCESSES: (1) Food Act registration — apply via FoodTrader (foodtrader.vic.gov.au). City of Melbourne does NOT accept payments via FoodTrader; they will contact you directly with fee after lodgement. Allow 21 days processing. Cannot trade until registration is confirmed. (2) Food van site permit — separate EOI-based program for 8 designated on-street sites across the municipality. Requires $20M public liability insurance, current FoodTrader registration, and van must fit within a standard parking bay (trade from passenger/left side only). Sites do NOT have power or water. Monthly fees: Standard sites $228.10/month (Boathouse Drive, Lansdowne St, Birdwood Ave, Zoo, Royal Parade, Alexandra Ave); Premium sites $1,161.40/month (St Kilda Road adjacent to State Theatre/Arts Centre; St Kilda Road adjacent to NGV). One-off site inspection fee $228.10 for shortlisted EOI applicants. Permits issued for up to 2 years. EOI currently closed — register at melbourne.vic.gov.au/food-vans to be notified of next round. Food van must be fully removed outside permitted trading hours. SOT must be lodged via FoodTrader at least 1 business day before each event. Renewal notice sent November; must be paid by 31 December. Verified 15 July 2026 — City of Melbourne still does not publish a mobile food fee; fee is quoted directly by Council after FoodTrader lodgement.