The council had been approached by an undisclosed business to use the land for a 10-week period in the first half of next year.

It’s understood council staff were supportive of the initiative and had the temporary licence application been successful a development application would have been submitted by the proponent.

But the successful motion to decline the licence application was moved and seconded by Cr David Thurley and Cr Darren Cameron in a closed council session.

“We felt it wasn’t the right time to go ahead with this sort of thing,” Cr Thurley said.

“We felt this wasn’t in total sympathy with our aims.

“But we’re letting council staff continue to explore the opportunities and grant funding so we can properly develop the area in accordance with the master-plan.”

The council is also due to release shortly a draft activities on public land and streets policy following a recent workshop.

The policy will determine whether pop-up ventures can use popular riverside areas like Noreuil and Hovell Tree parks.

The council is also chasing $5 million from the NSW Government for improvements at key locations on the river between Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek playground.

A riverside boardwalk and pontoon area supported by increased parking spots has been proposed.

The success of the funding application is not expected to be known until early next year.

More than 500 submissions were received on the riverside precinct plans in a recent “Have Your Say” opportunity conducted by council.

Of the 562 respondents, 533 or 94.8 per cent supported further activation, enhancement and beautification of the riverside park areas.

Meanwhile, Moira Shire will hold a meeting in Yarrawonga on November 15 to hear from people who made submissions on the food truck proposal on private land in the town from mid-December to the end of January and other peak holiday periods.

The deadline for submissions was October 16 and the council is expected to decide on the planning application at its November meeting.