Defence base unplugs popular seaside cafe

A popular beachside cafe in the state's north is on the hunt for a new site after losing its power supply from a Commonwealth defence base.

The Beach Shack had operated for the past five years from Exmouth’s Bundegi Beach at the tip of the North West Cape.

While the car park is public access and used as a boat launch site, it is on Commonwealth land and power is provided via a cable used by the Naval Communication Station Harold E Holt.

Beach Shack owner Carissa Shipp said with no timeframe or certainty on whether they would be able to reopen at the current site, the business had no option but to move.

“Unfortunately, [the Department of] Defence need to cut the power off to Bundegi so that they can do some really important major works,” she said.

“I've got an amazing team that I don't want to lose who have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears in, just like I have over the years.

“We are all ready to roll our sleeves up and make something happen as quickly as we possibly can.”

Ms Shipp said she was eyeing several locations in town for the move.

A Department of Defence spokesperson said an evaluation of electrical infrastructure in the area was being undertaken.

"Defence is not ceasing the Beach Shack’s operating licence but can no longer supply electricity due to safety concerns and has advised the operators they may wish to consider a portable power supply," they said.

The cafe employs four permanent staff and a handful of seasonal workers, most of whom live at Ms Shipp’s home due to Exmouth’s housing crisis.

Shire of Exmouth president Matt Nikkula said the shire was hopeful the Beach Shack would find a new place.

He said there was little the shire could do to influence decisions on Commonwealth land surrounding the town.

Harold E Holt naval base is a key submarine communications station for allied forces in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea and is contracted by the Department of Defence to Raytheon Australia.