The reforms are part of the state-wide ‘Easy to do Business’ initiative which Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has signed up to.

Businesses can now apply for an outdoor dining permit by contacting one agency and filling out one online form and can expect to have the permit within two business days.

Wokitup on Crawford Street is the first business in Queanbeyan to implement outdoor dining under the new process. A council spokesman said a number of other businesses were in communication with the council to expand into outdoor dining.

Mr Barilaro said the reforms would be a key step in revitalising the CBD.

“When you have al fresco dining in a CBD precinct, you have activation, and that attracts more people to our CBD,” he said.

“We can build a cafe and small restaurant and bar culture in Queanbeyan that will set us apart from our neighbours in Canberra.

“No matter what level of government you deal with, the maze of government often is the obstacle and many small business owners don’t even try.”

Earlier this year the council removed the fees associated with outdoor dining in Queanbeyan with a particular focus on Crawford Street.

While at the time this was welcomed by the owners of Fourth Seed and Ciao Cafe and Cakes who already had outdoor dining in place, other restaurants have not taken up the outdoor dining option.

Mr Barilaro said while he understood existing businesses may not want to introduce outdoor dining he hoped new businesses taking up the option would encourage their competitors to follow suit.

He added the ongoing construction of the Crawford Street precinct may have dissuaded business owners to move outdoors.

Owner of Ciao, Ab Guleria, said the biggest impediment to outdoor dining was weather, particularly in winter when his customers won’t sit outside.

Mr Guleria tried to install an enclosed space outside his cafe before the council told him it was not permitted.

Business owners have previously said the biggest issue facing the CBD was Monaro Street traffic, which Mayor Tim Overall said could be rectified with the Ellerton Drive extension.

“CBD transformation is a long-term project,” Cr Overall said.

“We have a CBD transformation strategy and part of that strategy looks at Monaro Street.

“Our strategy is to complete the EDE within 22 months, and once that happens we’re going to have continuing discussions with RMS about Monaro Street.”

Mr Barilaro added a load limit, reduction in speed limit and Monaro Street becoming a council road were all options that would be considered.