Food trucks and “dark kitchens” are now easier to set up and operate, thanks to new planning rules in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Dark kitchens – also known as virtual kitchens, cloud kitchens, and ghost kitchens – have no dine-in facilities as meals are made solely for delivery.

In order to support the food and beverage industry through the COVID-19 pandemic, Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes issued the Environmental Planning and Assessment (COVID-19 Development – Takeaway Food and Beverages) Order 2020.

The order has relaxed rules for food trucks and “dark kitchens”. For example, food trucks are now allowed to operate on any land at any time, provided they have the landowner’s consent.

Dark kitchens can now be set up in any commercial kitchen as long as social distancing is observed. This allows for the increased production of meals for delivery.

Further details here