A cohort of Perth’s movers and shakers has backed a local petition led by one of the Rinehart family’s former lawyers to reinstate outdoor seating at a coastal cafe.
A cohort of Perth’s movers and shakers has backed a local petition led by one of the Rinehart family’s former lawyers to reinstate outdoor seating at a coastal cafe.
Former legal advisor to Lang Hancock and Gina Rinehart, and long-time Cottesloe resident, Alan Camp initiated the petition last month, which will be considered by Town of Cottesloe council at its meeting next week.
Nearly 200 people have signed the petition to “reverse the council’s decision” to remove temporary tables and seating in the area between the Barchetta cafe and Longview Cottesloe, formerly The Blue Duck.
The area is leased to the North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club as it is the roof of the club’s ski shed.
Among the petition signatories are Alison Gaines of Gaines Advisory, former Hale School principal and cricketer John Inverarity and wife Jane, Esplanade Hotels Group owner Marylyn New, Poseidon Nickel chief executive Peter Harold, Pacton Gold director Alec Pismiris, Winex owner Matt Busby and former City of Perth lord mayor Peter Nattrass.
Former AFL players Kevin Bryant and Phil Lamb, with his wife Julie, also signed the petition.
An M. Chaney has signed the petition, but no other details were provided.
Mr Camp said he anticipated a large backing for the petition during the weeks it took to gather signatures, as it was about “everybody who used that space”.
“The surf club says it’s under the (Town’s) and the (Town) says it’s under the surf club,” he said.
“We wanted the council approval, and then we’ll just go ahead and put ahead the tables.”
Mr Camp said the area had alfresco seating all through the COVID period, with people waiting outside to wait for takeaway orders.
“This area provides a much loved and needed area for the community to meet and chat over a cup of coffee,” the petition said.
“The area brings life to an otherwise empty concrete space.
“It is the preferred space for families and friends to enjoy takeaway coffee as it provides the space for people with young children and dogs on leads to sit in the open air and enjoy a coffee.”
The council report, prepared by town corporate and community services director Shane Collie, said council itself had not made any specific decision regarding alfresco seating in that area.
According to the report, Barchetta provided “informal structures” including rustic benches and objects to lean on in the area.
“There has been no alfresco license issued for this area,” the report said.
“Town rangers and administrative staff have been lenient in accepting that the area has been used on occasions for a quasi alfresco purpose however once tables and chairs and table numbers started appearing clearly this use escalated beyond an informal take away space.
“Discussions were had with the Barchetta proprietor and warnings issued that this space was not to be used for alfresco purposes. Ultimately non-compliance led to infringements being issued.”
The council report said the petition did meet the valid criteria in the local government regulation, but Mr Camp said while there had been a lack of formality, the sentiment was there.
The council has been recommended to meet with all stakeholders to review the use of the area.
“Council is keen to see the space activated in a positive community manner and as such will be taking proactive steps with the NCSLSC to facilitate this,” the report said.
“It is understood that the NCSLSC are presently seeking to form a group to consider the future use and management of the area which is supported and would expect to involve council representation being the lessor of the area.”
