BATTLING TO KEEP LIGHT ON CAPE
THE fate of Cape Otway’s historic lightstation is still in limbo six months after it was announced it could be forced to shut up shop over changes to its long-term lease.
Operator Matt Bowker told the Geelong Advertiser last year the short-term leases offered by the state government were unsuitable and would make the business difficult to finance.
It is understood lease negotiations have continued with Parks Victoria and the region’s traditional owners, with operators applying for a 10-year lease.
“Discussions are ongoing,” Mr Bowker said. “We have applied for another lease, but it’s unclear when things will be resolved.”
Potential closure, which Mr Bowker said could happen at the end of April if matters weren’t resolved, could see the loss of 20 permanent jobs and 40 seasonal workers.
While negotiations have continued, Mr Bowker said the site, which had been relying on JobKeeper through the pandemic, had lost 70 per cent of its clientele after international borders shut last March.
“We’ve had lots of domestic tourists come and visit the cape, which has been really great, but it’s not making up for the hit we’ve taken,” he said.
Parks Victoria provided the business with rent relief during the pandemic.
The current lightstation lease is due to expire on June 30, 2022.
With the federal government winding down the wage subsidy at the end of the month and ruling out another extension, Mr Bowker urged the state government to investigate options for Victoria’s hardest-hit businesses.
“Something needs to be talked about from a state point of view,” he said. “A lot of attractions along the Great Ocean Road have been geared toward international tourism.”
A Parks Victoria spokesman confirmed negotiations were ongoing. “While we don’t comment on commercial agreements or commercial negotiations, Parks Victoria continues to work with the lessee regarding the leasing process. We’ve provided rent relief to the lessee and will continue to work with them, and all tenants and licensees, through these challenging times.”