Noosa councillors at their General Meeting on Tuesday were unanimous in backing the continued operation of a roadside stall at Cooroy in its current form while enabling the operator time to apply for a food and drink outlet permit to continue serving coffee at its onsite dining area.
The application sparked discussion on the value of small scale rural businesses to the community and tourism as well as the limitations in the planning scheme that enable a path of growth for small scale rural produce and creative industries that do not adversely impact the region.
Rob Noy submitted an application to Council to retrospectively approve his Bus Stop Espresso, that serves his own and locally sourced food and beverages from a bus on his property at 201 Mary River Road, Cooroy.
The stall sells honey and eggs, produced on his property, fruit, vegetables and herbs grown on his and nearby properties, juices from the fruit and vegetables, coffee processed and produced by Cooroy Coffee Roasters and breads produced by Jeremiah’s Crust in Carters Ridge.
Customers can dine at tables seating up to 10 people onsite.
Last week Council officers recommended the application be refused, saying it does not fit with the definition of a roadside stall because of its onsite dining and sale of coffee.
Describing its primary use as a coffee shop, officers believe it was more appropriately defined as a “food and drink outlet” which would require a different application approval process.
On Tuesday officers had provided a further report requested by Councillor Brian Stockwell for a set of conditions that would allow Council to approve those uses that can be lawfully conducted as a Roadside Stall that meet the Strategic Intent of the Planning scheme and support rural tourism, the evolution of traditional agriculture and emergence of new sectors.
Cr Amelia Lorentson asked why council could not simply change the definition of a roadside stall but officers explained they were state government defined.
She said councillors had been overwhelmed by emails of support for the business from the community.
“Our purpose and role is to work with the community to shape the future,“ she said.
Mayor Clare Stewart said, in visiting the site, councillors got to see how a small local business could lift a community.
“This is the type of business we should be supporting,“ she said.
Cr Joe Jurisevic raised the issue of Council application fees for small scale businesses such as this one that had grown organically to a scale it needs to obtain a different application to operate. Council heard application fees ranged from $3400 for a roadside stall assessed against a planning code to $7500 for a food and drink outlet requiring assessment that included its impact on the community.
Cr Brian Stockwell said it was clear to him council officers were unable to approve the roadside stall under its current application and a food and drink outlet application was required.
However, a new motion sought to enable to business to operate in its current form, giving them six months to apply for a food and drink outlet application and continue operating while they await its outcome.
Councillors agreed with the terms and a final decision will be made at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Thursday.
