This week the Central Western Daily revealed Orange Business Chamber's push to extend curb-side dining in a similar way to what Noosa Shire Council has done.

According to chamber president Ash Brown it's one of the ways we can help tackle high vacancy rates in the CBD.

As anyone who's been to Noosa Heads' main street, Hastings Street, will tell you, the atmosphere in the centre of the city is relaxed and there's a perfect combination of retail and tourism attractions sitting alongside several al fresco dining opportunities.

In Noosa the dining areas are permanent and extend onto the road, protected from passing traffic by fencing and gardens.

In fact the design in Hastings Street has been extended onto the road and while the design takes up parking spaces, there are still sections where cars can park.

While there's plenty that's good about looking to Noosa for inspiration, there's little chance we'd be able to funnel traffic on the busy Summer Street into one lane to accommodate diners.

Since news of the al fresco push broke, there's been plenty of people wondering if Orange's chilly climate is really suitable for outdoor dining.

There are already some businesses who are offering al fresco dining with cafes such as Bensons, Good Eddy and Scrumptious just to name a few.

These businesses are always busy and patrons seem to jump at the chance to soak up a bit of sunshine, even in winter.

We also know that the southern-style ribs and beef restaurant Lone Star is planning to open in the Orange City Centre's redeveloped Myer building.

Planning consultant Premise submitted applications for the Texas-themed restaurant to council earlier this year and untilising outside dining is integral to its plans.

Lone Star will occupy the northeastern tenancy, which will include an al fresco timber deck off Post Office Lane.

According to plans, Lone Star's al fresco section will provide seating for 56 people.

Why not look for more areas where extended al fresco dining would be appropriate?

There's one thing for sure, if we want to see a revitalised CBD we have to do something different to what we're doing right now.