Council seeks new operator for Gardens Café
Council has advised that the café will not operate until a new lessee is put in place.
Council officers have repeatedly asked for the previous lessee to pay the significant debt, which dates back to February 2012.
Community Programs director Gerard Carlyon said officers have done all they can to work with the lessee, but it appears he has no intention of fulfilling his obligations.
“This situation is disappointing, however, we can no longer stand by and let these arrears accumulate,” he said.
“The decision to terminate the lease should come as no surprise as until now, we have been very lenient with the café operator.”
Council will call Expressions of Interest for a new operator and it hopes the café will re-open shortly.
After receiving no rental payments for 12 months, council officers met with the lessee in February last year to discuss implementing a payment plan. The lessee was advised in writing in March 2013 that a new fortnightly invoicing system would apply.
Mr Carlyon said the lessee had made a number of part payments in recent months, but was still significantly short of what is outstanding.
Mr Carlyon said council had made every effort to work with and assist the lessee, but had an obligation to the community to ensure debts were paid.
“It would be irresponsible of us to let this continue any further,” he said.
Contact: Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Phone: 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529)
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