Cafe lease extension buoys owner

The Starfish Cafe has had its lease extended a further five years, and its owner said this gave him confidence to start a water sports business at Port Denison’s South Beach.

Mick Caunce said he intended to start giving lessons and hiring out equipment for kite surfing and paddle boarding, and perhaps extend to “fat biking” using bicycles with big fat tyres on the beach.

“That extension of the lease gives me confidence in which to take that venture further because the cost of the equipment is pretty expensive,” he said.

In a report to the council, Shire of Irwin executive services co-ordinator Danika Chandler said Mr Caunce and his wife Nicola had already been given Shire approval to hire recreational equipment at the Starfish Cafe.

However, their lease on the premises expired in 2021.

“The lessees have stated that having an additional five years will provide the necessary security behind the investment into recreational equipment and other supporting infrastructure,” Ms Chandler said. “This will give the lessees an option to continue leasing the cafe until 2026.”

Ms Chandler said the extended lease would also give them security to invest in the building’s internal fit out when needed.

Mr Caunce said they were unlikely to make any major alterations to what had been a kiosk.

“It’s a little shack on the beach that does quality food and coffees and people don’t want us to change it too much,” he said. “You wouldn’t think so with the look of the little place but we do very nice up-to-date breakfasts. We’re very particular with our coffees as well.

“We’ve got a machine that’s worth probably more than the building.”

Mr Caunce said his family was looking forward to more happy years operating the business.

“We employ a fair few local girls here and we’re pretty committed. I love Dongara and I can see me curling my toes up here,” he said.

“We’re pretty committed and the extension on the lease gives me confidence to do this next business venture with the cafe.”