The future of the Peakhurst Foodies and Farmers Market is secure after finally being approved following an almost three-year wait.
The monthly market, held in the grounds of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church since 2015, was formally approved by Georges River Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel late last month.
The market operators have been granted approval to operate a monthly market with 56 stalls in the church car park on the corner of Forest Road and Isaac Street, Peakhurst.
The market offers food, fresh produce and a range of organic goods on the last Friday of the month.
It operates from 3pm to 9pm and can receive an estimated 3500 to 5000 visitors.
The market had been operating since June 2015 without council consent.
The operator submitted a development application for the markets in 2015 but a final decision was held up when Hurstville and Kogarah councils were amalgamated.
There were 85 submissions against the development application based on traffic, parking and noise concerns.
Of these, 21 per cent of objectors stated they would have no objection to the markets being held once per month.
And there were 25 submissions in favour of the proposal. Points raised in support of the market included that it was a vibrant community event offering a good chance to engage with local community and with the opportunity to buy produce not available in the local area.
It was an unanimous decision by the panel to allow the market to continue but with certain conditions.
Carnival rides will not be allowed except for an inflatable jumping castle, and there will be no live bands or amplified sound equipment.
Traffic monitors will patrol the adjoining streets to insure patrons of the market park appropriately.
Residents also had concerns about crowd control. The operator submitted a plan of management stating that security would be present.
There were also concerns that the markets would impact on local businesses in the area but the operator said many stalls at the market provide foods that are not readily available from the local area.
Peakhurst Foodies and Farmers Market operator Kristina Spanos said, “We are happy to operate and continue in the community.
“The reason we started the market was to the support the work of the church in helping local charities and also to support the parishioners.
“It has been growing ever since and seem to be very popular with the local community,” she said.
