Port Macquarie Hastings Council has completed its Expression of Interest (EOI) process to determine the future operators of three popular coastal café and kiosk locations being the North Town Beach Kiosk at the Breakwall, the Town Beach Kiosk and the Bonny Hills Café at Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club.
With all three lease agreements expiring, Council initiated a competitive EOI process to ensure a fair and transparent allocation of new five-year lease agreements. The EOI had a focus on offering Council competitive market rental, refurbishment works and compliant applications.
Having fielded strong applications from interested parties, Council is pleased to confirm that it has selected operators for the following venues and are in the process of entering into new, five-year lease arrangements.
North Town Beach Kiosk (Breakwall) - a new five-year lease will be entered into with Cassera's Bakery.
Town Beach Kiosk - A new five-year lease will be entered into with Salty Crew Kiosk.
Bonny Hills Café (Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club) - a new five-year lease to Bonny's Cafe.
Council undertook the EOI process in accordance with legislative procurement requirements and Council's adopted Plans of Management to ensure that commercial activities on community land support public use and provide an appropriate financial return to the community.
Submissions were assessed against predetermined criteria including compliance with submission requirements, relevant experience, service offering, financial return, proposed refurbishment, and broader community benefit. All three successful operators demonstrated the strongest applications that best met the requirements of these criteria.
Council would like to take this opportunity acknowledge the contributions and services of Bec Howard and the team at Breakwall HQ (North Town Beach operator) has made to the community over the past 9 years.
"During that time the kiosk has become a well-loved stop for locals and visitors alike, providing a welcoming place to gather while enjoying one of Port Macquarie's most iconic coastal locations," Group Manager Liveable Communities, Lucilla Marshall said.
To support an orderly and respectful transition, a three-month changeover period will occur at the North Town Beach Kiosk.
This timeframe provides Breakwall HQ with appropriate notice and time to transition from the site while preparations are made for the new operator to commence operations. The operators at Bonny Hills Café and Town Beach Kiosk will continue to trade as normal.
