Roadside and Council-Controlled Areas Vending Approvals

Do I need approval?

Anyone selling or supplying goods from a public place, roadside, or reserve must have approval from Council. This includes:

• Stationary roadside vending – parking or setting up in one place for a period of time
• Temporary stalls – vans, trucks, trailers, gazebos, or similar structures used to sell goods or services
• Mobile roadside vending – travelling from place to place, stopping only when hailed, flagged down or signalled by a customer to stop and trade, such as an ice cream van.

Examples of businesses that need a roadside vending approval:

• Roadside seafood, fruit, or vegetable stalls
• Pie or smoko vans
• Mobile ice-cream vans
• Food trucks
• Coffee vans

Council regulates roadside vending to:

• Keep people safe
• Protect community amenity
• Manage public spaces responsibly

If you are a food vendor, you must also obtain a Food Business Licence. Please see Council’s food licensing information for more details 

Stationary roadside vending and temporary stalls

Council uses a two-tiered assessment framework for stationary roadside vending and temporary stalls:

1. Pre-designated Locations Only (Fast Track)

• Apply to trade at Council’s pre-designated locations.
• These sites are non-exclusive and available on a first-come, first-served basis during the 12-month approval period.
• See the full list of pre-designated locations(PDF, 7MB)

2. Standard Assessment (Other than Pre-designated Locations)

• Apply to trade at a site not on the pre-designated list.
• Successful applicants receive exclusive use of the approved site for the 12-month approval term.
• Approval holders may also trade at pre-designated locations on a first-come, first-served basis.

Approval term: Up to 12 months for both pathways, with annual renewal subject to a performance review.

Transfers: Approvals are transferable by completing the transfer form and paying the nominated fee.

Mobile Roadside Vending Approvals (operators travelling from place to place, stopping only when hailed, flagged down or signalled by a customer to stop and trade, such as an ice cream van).

If you apply for a roadside vending approval, you may also be required to obtain approvals from other authorities. Where relevant, a copy of these approvals must be supplied to Council with your roadside vending application:

• State-controlled roads – A Road Corridor Permit from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Apply online at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/rcp.
• Beaches and national parks – Approvals are managed by the Queensland Government.
• State Government land – Approvals are managed by the Queensland Government.
• Council parks or reserves – Require a separate approval. Contact Council’s Parks and Recreation team on 1300 472 227 for more information.

1. Complete the required application form:
   • Application Form 1 – Stationary Roadside Vending(PDF, 300KB)
   • Application Form 2 – Mobile Roadside Vending(PDF, 323KB)
2. Attach all required supporting documents.
3. Pay the relevant fee. See: Fees & Charges

Lodgement options:

• In Person at an IRC Office (Form & Fee)
• Via post Isaac Regional Council PO Box 97 Moranbah Qld 4744
• Email records@isaac.qld.gov.au

Processing time

• Fast Track: Outcome within 10 business days for a properly made application
• Standard Assessment: Outcome within 30 business days for a properly made application.

Important to know

• Council may request additional information during the assessment process. You must provide this within the specified timeframe.
• If your application is approved, you will be issued an Approval and the accompanying Conditions of Approval. 

Mobile roadside vending applies to operators travelling from place to place, stopping only when hailed, flagged down or signalled by a customer to stop and trade, such as an ice cream van.

Approvals are issued based on the service area/s.

Approval term: Up to 12 months for both pathways, with annual renewal subject to a performance review.

Transfers: Approvals are transferable by completing the transfer form and paying the nominated fee.