Lighthouse, cave cafes to be operated by tourism body

Karen White, who has operated the two cafés for ten years told the Mail that the decision was a huge disappointment for the team, including daughter and business partner Belinda Eaton. 

“We were taken by surprise, there haven’t been any negative reviews or feedback or suggestion that the cafés are not performing,” Ms White said.

Ms Eaton agreed the news came “out of nowhere” and questioned the move, saying the business had become a much loved, locally supported venue.

“People in Augusta love this place, they recognise our faces, they know us and they know that we are supportive of the town,” she said.

“We allow a number of local producers and artisans to sell their products here free of charge, and we also heavily rely on local produce for our own menu.

MRBTA chief executive officer Pip Close refuted claims that the decision was solely driven by money.

“If the café produces a surplus then that money would be reinvested back into the business,” Ms Close said.

“Those funds will be put towards the many important further conservation and improvement projects planned, such as restoration of the outhouses on the site that require repair, and the renovation of Cottage 2 to form an interpretive centre/museum to celebrate the history and heritage of Cape Leeuwin.”

Ms Close said the organisation tried to give as much notice to the current tenants under the lease conditions.

“The café has been operated by a tenant on the basis of a ten year lease (5-year initial period plus 5-year option), and the 10-year period expired in April 2016,” she said.

“In order to provide the tenant with as much transition time as possible, MRBTA agreed to extend the lease period by another 3 months to July 2016.

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