Jennifer Pittorino
The Newport Lakes Native Nursery has started the new year with some good news, after a battle with council late last year threatened its existence.
In November, owner Nick Pandya found himself facing the possibility his nursery could close due to Hobsons Bay council’s move to increase the business’s rent.
A petition was created by Friends of Skeleton Creek to demonstrate to councillors how important the nursery, which had been in operation for more than 24 years, was to the community.
Now, Mr Pandya is pleased to announce that council has agreed to a flexible lease agreement.
“They have given us flexibility with our account, so we can continue to assess how the business is going and if we can afford the rent,” he said.
“Council said anytime we feel the business is not sustainable we can give them notice and they will help us out.”
The new lease agreement, which was delivered to Mr Pandya last year, included rates which would not have been affordable for the business.
Based on profit statements, Mr Pandya knew that the rent increase meant the nursery would be unprofitable by the fifth year of the lease agreement.
In late December, Mr Pandya and council agreed to a five year lease, with rent paid monthly.
“The agreement states that we can give them three months’ notice if the business is not surviving, council will help us find other options,” he said.
“This might be moving somewhere else or looking at grants for small businesses, but council has assured us then when the situation arises they will be happy to help us.”
Mr Pandya and the team are pleased with the outcome and grateful for all the support from the community.
“We are really happy with this as it gives us time to develop the business and see how we are doing financially,” he said.
“Now we feel like we have time to assess everything and find other ways to develop the business to become financially stronger.
“We are grateful for all the support, from everyone who helped us.“
