At this week's ordinary meeting, Gunnedah shire councillors voted to waive street trading and dining fees for the next financial year, saying it was "a great initiative". A street trading application fee is $168 and a footpath dining application fee is $290.

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Cr Jamie Chaffey was among those who supported motion and said it was one way to ease some of the pressure on local businesses during the drought.

"I see this as a positive step forward of us supporting our vibrant main street, supporting our local traders and our small businesses," he said at the meeting.

"I absolutely applaud the Commissioner for Small Business ... [in] trying to take some of the red tape out of operating in small communities like ours."

Cr Murray O'Keefe was among those in favour of the motion and said it might prompt business owners to do the right thing.

"I see this as a great opportunity not just to encourage trade of vendors but ... it's noted in the report there is a suspicion some businesses in town are operating without the proper approvals and waiving the fee may actually encourage all businesses in our shire to go through the approvals process and become more compliant," he said.

As part of its decision, the council also adopted the newly introduced NSW Outdoor Dining Policy

Businesses who want to use the street for trade and dining still need to lodge an application with the council and include a copy of their public liability insurance.

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