Kiosk cleared to open at Champion Bay foreshore
Businesswoman Leanne Wilson has been granted a licence to open a kiosk on the Champion Bay foreshore between the Jaffle Shack and the surf club.
“We are looking at opening it as soon as possible,” the Hog’s Breath franchisee said.
“It all depends on council approval, water and electricity, but it will definitely be done by the April school holidays.”
Mrs Wilson said she would like to build a deck with seats on top of a converted shipping container, but would be guided by planners.
Councillors granted the licence for the proposal after 15 minutes of debate at a City of Greater Geraldton meeting last week.
Cr Sally Elphick was against the proposal.
“We have a beautiful foreshore and I have spent a lot of time in this particular area,” she said.
“I think Geraldton is well serviced with burgers.”
Cr Elphick said she would prefer to see local seafood on sale.
Mayor Shane Van Styn asked if there was anything in the licence stipulating what kind of food could be sold at the kiosk.
Development and community services director Phil Melling said the council was not addressing the “food mix”.
“It is really up to the proponent to reflect what the demand is down there,” he said.
In proposing the motion, Cr Michael Reymond said there would be no cost to ratepayers.
“They are paying all the rates, taxes, the utilities and other costs associated with establishing it there,” he said.
“This proposal was to grant land to the proponents for a five-year period.”
Cr Reymond said the licence would lapse if the kiosk was not open for business within six months.
Cr Simon Keemink seconded the motion. “I want to see the foreshore activated more and I think this is a great idea for that,” he said. “Passive recreation promotes health and wellbeing.”
The council’s final vote to allow the proposal was unanimous.
At an Agenda Forum two weeks ago, mayor Shane Van Styn said the council had a longstanding position prohibiting permanent buildings on the foreshore.
“That motion passed at the time that the Rubik’s Cube toilets were built. I moved it,” he said.
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