Flinders Shire seeking EOIs to run new café in Hughenden

Flinders Shire is seeking expressions of interest for the opening of a café in the Council-operated Flinders Discovery Centre.

The café, which is part of the Centre’s recent $4.1million completed upgrade to double its capacity to meet future tourist demand, will be a new addition to the Centre.

Flinders Shire Council is looking for individuals or businesses with suitable hospitality qualifications interested in leasing the café, situated at the Visitor Information Centre and Museum within the Flinders Discovery Centre (FDC).

This could also be an opportunity for Hughenden residents and businesses to expand their horizons.

The café lease terms have several highlights:

• No stipulation on the café menu
• Lessee will be able to operate outside of FDC operating hours (i.e. more hours than the FDC opening hours)
• Inclusion of provision for no lease for initial three months of operations
• Lease term review date: 1 year (plus 1)
• Removal of lessee proportion of outgoings for entire Centre as a percentage – Council will look to put a separate metre on the café to cover electricity
• Review of outgoings payable by lease – e.g. statutory charges, gardening, and plate glass insurance
• All equipment is included in the lease (including double fridge, dishwasher, cold and hot displays, automatic coffee machine, deep fryer, stove and oven).

Flinders Shire Council Mayor Kate Peddle mentioned that the new café, which is 53m² in size, is conveniently located on the main street with easy access for customers from both inside the Centre and through an external service window of the Flinders Discovery Centre.

“The café has indoor seating as well as additional outdoor seating for those who prefer takeout dining at the nearby Discovery Park,” Cr Peddle said.

“Customers can enjoy their food and drinks inside while browsing through the retail and information area of the Centre.

Cr Peddle said the previous Council established the café to meet a gap they identified in the service of food and drinks during the tourist season but had not been successful in securing a tenant.

“We have now reviewed the terms of lease and, after consultation, recognised some sticking points in the original EOI,” she said.

“We’ve addressed these and are putting the feelers back out to provide the opportunity before any further decisions are made about the facility.”

Cr Peddle said the revised café lease makes it a very attractive opportunity to start a business in Hughenden or expand existing operations.

“Soon we will have lots of hungry boots on the ground with a more than 50 per cent increase to our town's population,” she said.

“I think there is plenty of love to go around, and now is the chance to cease an opportunity you may have been pondering.

“Country living is great for young families and is a place where kids can enjoy our wide-open spaces, quality education, and sporting opportunities.

“This leasing opportunity provides a chance to capitalise on the growing economy of Flinders.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone wanting to use their hospitality skills for a new lifestyle in a beautiful outback region of Australia or for a local to kickstart something special.”

The Flinders Shire tourism season runs from April until early October, and in 2023 the Flinders Discovery Centre welcomed over 22,000 guests through its doors.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the cafe lease will close on Sunday 18 August 2024.

Visit www.flinders.qld.gov.au/our-governance/tender-and-quotations/expression-of-interest-eoi to download the Expression of Interest, or email dcsw@flinders.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 4741 2900 for more information.