Commercial Use of Community Land permits awarded to local businesses

Surf schools, sky diving, beach equipment hire and coffee vans are just a few of the local businesses set to operate at community locations across the Sunshine Coast next financial year after successfully applying for a three year Commercial Use of Community Land Permit.

Current permits, issued in 2013, are due to expire on June 30, 2016. Applications opened in September for existing and new businesses to apply for a three year permit to undertake a range of activities on public land from July 1, 2016. Applications closed on Friday, October 2, 2015.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Chris Thompson said community use and enjoyment was the main purpose of this public land.

“Achieving a balance between the community’s vision for the use of public land, small businesses wanting to use that land and the needs of existing and well-established nearby businesses was also high priority,” Cr Thompson said.

“Council received 44 applications for the 35 advertised locations and activities. There were five locations and activities for which no application was received.

“Applicants were required to meet a range of mandatory assessment criteria including not competing with fixed local businesses, meeting industry safety standards, operating regular days and hours and a commitment to providing local employment.”

Applicants were further assessed using the guiding principles of the Community Land and Complementary Commercial Activity Policy, beingProfessionalism, Quality of Equipment, Safety and Community.

The five locations and activities for which no application was received remain vacant. Prospective business operators are able to submit an application if they are interested in operating from one of these locations.

Vacancies will be publicly listed on council’s website for the duration of the permit period (July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019). Council will also conduct periodic promotion of these vacancies to invite applications from prospective operators.

For more information visit council’s website or email [email protected] to request an information pack.