Walla’s Fish and Chips petition for fixed lease calls council to recognise shop as permanent

An iconic Far North takeaway business is fearing for its future after it was handed a local government notice that could send it broke.

A FAR North takeaway business labelled an “icon” is fearing for its future after it was handed a local government notice all but sealing its fate.

On June 17, Walla’s Fish and Chips – a takeaway store which operates out of a modified van on the Innisfail Esplanade – was told by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council its fixed-term lease would not be renewed when it expired on June 30.

The letter to owner Sue Wallis said her business would now be considered a mobile business as per the council’s roadside vending guidelines adopted in August 2019.

The fish and chippery had been operating from the waterfront for almost 30 years and had currently been on a 10-year fixed lease, but will now have to apply for a permit.

Sue Wallis of Walla's Fish and Chips has been told CCRC will not renew her fixed lease.

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“When I first saw the letter, I was bawling my eyes out,” Ms Wallis said.

“They haven’t really given me any notice.

“After 10 years they told me two weeks out.”

Ms Wallis said her current retrofitted van, which operated about five days a week, was using fixed water, power and was only designed to be moved in the event of a flood.

She said at a technical level, she would be forced to bid for a tender to operate from her spot every three years, supply her own power and water and build or buy a new van that could be moved everyday.

“It will send me broke. I have four employees and it will impact their families,” she said.

“And if I have to move it at the end of each day, there’s no guarantee the spot will be free when I return the next day.”

Sue Wallis of Walla’s Fish and Chips says operating on a permit could send her broke.

Ms Wallis said in meetings held by the council and “general” chats with councillors and council staff, she had been assured her lease would not be affected.

“The main question is why now, why are they now saying I’m no longer a permanent business,” she said.

Ms Wallis said she had enlisted a lawyer who was still scoping the guidelines and determining her best course of action, but helped her create an online petition addressed to the council chief executive James Gott.

“I believe the Cassowary Coast Regional Council should consider Walla’s Fish and Chips a fixed local business and should be granted a further fixed term lease,” the petition with almost 1000 signatures read.

A council spokesman said the organisation could not comment on an active investigation.

Originally published as Walla’s Fish and Chips petition for fixed lease calls council to recognise shop as permanent