The Backyard Cafe owner Scott Imlach in feud with council

One of the city’s leading hospitality identity’s is an a feud with council after they won’t give permission for a venue extension which would see 15 more workers employed

A LEADING hospitality identity says he could put on 15 more staff in a newly renovated $40,000 cafe area, if council stop denying his requests.

Scott Imlach — the man behind Hideaway Kitchen and Bar at Broadbeach, Mr Hizola’s at Burleigh and Bine Bar and Dining at Mermaid Beach and soon to open a brewery at Miami — wants to extend his latest venture, The Backyard Cafe.

Mr Imlach is asking for permission to use a 400sq m block next to the cafe on Lavarack Rd, Nobby Beach.

The block would have extra seating, doubling his customer numbers. He says he would employ another 15 staff with the extension.

Scott Imlach's new Nobby's brunch spot The Backyard Cafe. Picture: Jerad Williams

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Mr Imlach says council is roadblocking the proposal by asking for him to apply for another material change of use (MCU). He says that would be a waste of time because The Backyard Cafe is considered a “pop-up” venue and is likely to be demolished by mid next year.

“We’ve been trying to do this for three or four months,” he said. “We’ve been going back and forth with council and had about 10 meetings.

“Council won’t approve it unless we do a complete material change of use, even though we have the right zoning.

“The Backyard Cafe is only here for eight months. It’s a pop up.

“We are saying why don’t you grant it for us for eight months and we will see how we go.

“We got a verbal from the council which said ‘yes’, but they were only a trainee or something.

The back green space still under construction. Picture: Jerad Williams

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“We had Councillor Pauline Young right from the get go who said ‘yes, no problem’. She’s still saying ‘no problem’ but the guys at the top of (council’s) planning department are saying ‘no’.

“The state government semi-approved it and then they went to Gold Coast (council) and they rejected it.

“If council think they are helping small businesses, they are not. They are deteriorating us.”

A spokesperson for the Gold Coast City Council said they can not do anything unless the MCU was approved.

“The current operation on the leased property next to the Backyard Café is directly associated with the Backyard Café and is required to be incorporated into the current MCU approval for the Backyard Café. Approving this operation cannot be considered until a change to the current MCU approval is made.

“Car parking is a matter of concern to officers and this will be a matter to consider if an application to change the existing MCU approval is made.”

Scott Imlach. Picture: Jerad Williams

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Mr Imlach said: “It’s become a joke really.”

“Council are refusing to acknowledge a COVID dining space exemption even though actual dining numbers only increased by 20 people (during the last restriction ease).

“These excuses are ridiculous.”

Mr Imlach leased the empty land next to the cafe, spending $40,000 to add new turf, fencing and furniture.

He says “we can’t make money with the current restrictions”.

“I wouldn’t know anywhere on the Gold Coast which would have a safer outdoor dining.”

Council added: “Council officers are willing to assist the owner with making an application, subject to ensuring matters such as car parking and amenity impacts are addressed to council’s satisfaction.”