Whyalla City Council wants residents to have their say on the future of the foreshore café facility, with a community survey on the matter closing this Sunday (7 February).
More than 1000 people have already responded, with interim results showing 27% to-date in favour of retrofitting the existing building as a café (option 3 below), closely followed by 25% wanting to retrofit the existing building as a larger café with an increased footprint (option 4 below).
These current options are anticipated to cost between $230,000 and $400,000 in ratepayer funds and take between 18 and 23 weeks to complete. The results of the survey will help inform Council’s decision making.
The survey is also gathering detailed information about the community’s priorities for the use of the facility, which is currently evenly spread between coffee; hot and cold meals; and a sheltered, air-conditioned space to sit and meet.
Council CEO Justin Commons said participation in the survey to-date was fantastic and there was still time for residents to get involved prior to the survey closing at midnight on Sunday 7 February.
“I urge everyone with an interest in the foreshore to complete the survey and have their say, as Council’s final decision will incorporate this community feedback,” Mr Commons said.
“Council will also consider current budget and long-term financial plan implications, as well as the upcoming Foreshore Master Plan community consultation, to ensure the short-to-medium-term future of the building is not viewed in isolation to the longer-term evolution of the entire foreshore precinct.”
Options for the short-to-medium use of the facility include:
Option 1: Undertake necessary tidy up works to operate as a Community Meeting Space | $110,000 | 10 weeks |
Tables and chairs provided in an airconditioned and sheltered space with no food or drink preparation or sales |
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Option 2: Retrofit existing building as a Kiosk | $180,000 | 14 weeks |
A small establishment that serves items such as sweets, cakes, hot and cold drinks (non-alcoholic) and pre-packaged, pre-prepared food or limited on-site preparation (i.e. pies, pasties, sandwiches) |
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Option 3: Retrofit existing building as a Café | $230,000 | 18 weeks |
A small establishment that serves light meals and drinks (non-alcoholic), including the complete onsite preparation of hot and cold meals and beverages |
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Option 4: Retrofit existing building with an increased footprint as a larger Café | $400,000 | 23 weeks |
As above, but with an even greater investment in the building. May provide option for alcoholic beverages |
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Option 5: New build |
| 42 weeks |
As a Café As a Restaurant | $875,000 $920,000 |
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Option 6: Close the facility, make it secure and consider long-term options as part of the Foreshore Masterplan Planning process | Up to $30,000 | 2-3 weeks |
Undertake no upgrades other than making the facility secure (e.g. install additional roller shutters). The community will then have their say on their preferences for the broader foreshore upgrade |
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The survey can be completed by following the link on Council’s ‘Beach Café Latest News’ hub on its homepage (Whyalla.sa.gov.au). Other options for completing the survey include:- Scanning the QR code on this update
- Picking up a hard copy from Council’s:
- Civic Building
- Whyalla Public Library
- Whyalla Child Care Centre
- Whyalla Visitor Centre
- Phoning 1300 533 362
(weekdays between 10am-4pm)