VAN BAN FRACAS
THERE’S a blue on in Cardwell. Traders in the main street want council to pull the reins on the pie and coffee vendors in the town’s Colleen McLaughlin Park. The food vendors in the park are popular with the travelling public. With its views out to Hinchinbrook, Garden and Goold Islands, the park adds a splash of colour to Cardwell’s already rich palette.
There are clean toilets, picnic tables, food and coffee. It ticks a lot of boxes. And there is space for the kids to run amok.
Up the road, Cardwell traders say the park traders are getting pretty much a free ride while they have to fork out for rates and pay for the upkeep of bricks and mortar. For the record, food vans pay the Cassowary Coast Regional Council between $ 398 and $ 454 a year in permit fees. It’s a pretty good deal. Each side though has a valid argument.
Local councillor Glenn Raleigh is not afraid to step in between the warring tribes. He said council was on the job and that a policy review was under way.
For starters, the number of food vans will be capped. This will mean that the three vendors in the park will stay, but no more will be allowed.
The yellow pie van owned by the Jesse family which has been a Cardwell feature for 35 years will be offered a permanent lease while the other two traders will be offered permits. The new policy is expected to be in place by September.
Robert Jesse reckons that getting rid of his iconic pie van would be like the Mayor of Paris taking a “gas axe” to the Eiffel Tower. He’s not far off the mark.
Jane Emerson paid $ 40,000 for her food van. “People love coming to the park. There’s always a chance they’ll see a croc or shark,” she said.
Bernice Schuber from The Aroma Van says it’s a great place for people with kids and dogs to stop.
Cardwell CBD traders invited to have their say declined to go on the record.