Community campaign to save Jan Juc cafe Malo after council permit dispute

A popular cafe in Jan Juc could close due to a council permit dispute but a group of passionate locals are desperately fighting to keep it open.

Locals residents are fighting to save a Jan Juc cafe which may close due to a council permit issue. Campaign organisers Jane Macdonald, left, Alex Sturman, holding her dog Creature, and Bree Schneider. Picture: Alison Wynd

Passionate Jan Juc residents are fighting to save their beloved local cafe, which could be forced to close due to a council permit dispute.

Malo cafe opened two years ago as a mobile coffee van and the business expanded about eight months ago into a small shipping container, which sits on top of a trailer, at the Jan Juc caravan park.

Owner Elleese Aoki said the cafe has a mobile permit but Surf Coast Shire now requires it to have a planning permit.

She said the council won’t allow the business to continue trading during the permit process, which could result in the cafe closing its doors.

“They want a planning permit, which is totally fair, but the planning permit will require a cultural heritage management plan which can cost up to $30,000,” she said.

“It isn’t very viable for a tiny little container cafe.

“It is frustrating because we aren’t actually disturbing the land, the container sits on a mobile trailer on top of the soil.”

Surf Coast council gave Malo a one month trade extension period in late August, which ends on September 24.

The community has rallied around the cafe, creating a petition urging council to grant the business a six month trade extension period so it can navigate the planning process.

If Surf Coast council does not grant the six month extension, the cafe will cease trade on September 24.

“(It) puts our staff’s jobs at risk and the loss of space for the community, which could be temporary but also could be permanent,” Ms Aoki said.

The petition, organised by Bree Schneider, Alex Sturman and Jane Macdonald, garnered more than 1,300 signatures in the first 48 hours.

Ms Schneider said it would be “detrimental” if Malo had to close.

“It would be a huge loss,” she said.

The cafe has become a welcoming place for all residents, and their pets, and was an important social outlet for locals, Ms Schneider said.

She urged council to give the business the time and support it needs to be able to find the right, permanent solution.

“Our huge ask is for council to please give them time,” Ms Schneider said.

“Please support them and try to find a sustainable and long term solution to keep trading.”

Jane Macdonald, left, Alex Sturman, holding her dog Creature, and Bree Schneider. Picture: Alison Wynd

Surf Coast Shire general manager of place making and environment, Chris Pike, said council officers had been working with the business for 12 months on their planning permit requirements.

“They have been asked to stop operating until there is an outcome on their planning permit

application,” he said.

“Officers have worked with Malo to get an application lodged, but the timing of an outcome is dependent on Malo providing all necessary information to complete an assessment.

“The application will proceed under the usual permit process and include public notification and appeal rights.”

Ms Schneider said it would be a “dream come true” if the council granted the business the extension period.

To sign the petition, head to change.org/petition-to-save-malo-coffee-jan-juc.

Originally published as Community campaign to save Jan Juc cafe Malo after council permit dispute