Kingy restaurants pay double
KINGSCLIFF restaurateurs are paying double the outdoor dining fees of their Murwillumbah counterparts, according to Tweed Shire Councillor Dot Holdom.
A motion put forward by Cr Holdom at Tuesday's council meeting asked for the council to review the fees by obtaining valuations on all commercial areas providing outdoor dining.
Speaking after the meeting, Cr Holdom said it was time for the council to have a close look at what it was charging restaurateurs across the shire.
"Kingscliff is double that of Murwillumbah, it's always been that way," she said.
"Back in 2003 and earlier it (Kingscliff) was seen as the prime mover and shaker.
"We need to go back and have a good look, it doesn't hurt to go back and review it."
Cr Holdom said she had been contacted by the Kingscliff Chamber of Commerce who are also pushing for a review.
Chamber president Dennis Eyre believes Kingscliff restaurateurs could be paying up to 70% more per square metre than Murwillumbah or Tweed Heads.
The council resolved to hold a workshop on the topic before the next council meeting on June 26.
Councillor Katie Milne excluded herself from the discussion and voting as she has relatives in the cafe industry.
