The Bao Shed food truck’s proposal to serve Malaysian food on the Kalbarri foreshore attracts some opposition

A bunfight is brewing in the tourist haven of Kalbarri over a food van serving bao buns and Malaysian cuisine. Shire of Northampton councillors are set to vote on whether the temporary food truck can extend to operating seven days a week at Sally’s Tree carpark along Kalbarri’s foreshore, after some residents raised concerns it would create a disincentive for fixed foot outlets. Under the proposal, The Bao Shed, which arrived in Kalbarri from Broome about two months ago, would operate seven nights a week between 12pm and 8pm offering Malaysian-style curries, rice noodle soups and steamed bao buns. Public consultation received three supporting submissions and two objections. One concern was for the ongoing viability of Kalbarri as a tourism destination should food outlets continue to resort to using mobile food vans over permanent commercial premises. Two submissions supported the approval, stating it was a “great idea” and was “much needed for the town”. Anita McRae was indifferent to the specific application, but said she had an issue with the number of food van applications. “I agree that it aids the town in an environment that has diminished facilities but in my opinion the solution is not to bring in numerous food vans,” she said. Ms McRae said establishing permanent businesses in storefronts would be best for landlords, locals and tourists “wandering through town looking for goods and services”. Graham Dunn said the town had 16 vacant shops in town and food vans would cause a disincentive for new takeaway shops to open. “I am pleased that this particular applicant is intending to operate in afternoons and evenings as there is a need at present . . . but their actual trading hours are often only half that,” he said. Mr Dunn recommended food truck operators are required to prove they made an effort to secure a retail store before working from a food truck during the application process. “Landlords are willing to consider lowering rents and honeymoon trial periods or assistance with set-up costs in an effort to find a long term tenant but get no enquiries and then hear a new mobile food van is opening for business across the road,” he said. Conrad Browne strongly objected to the application, stating it allowed further competition less than 150m away from existing businesses. “Expecting businesses to pay thousands of dollars in rates, rubbish removal fees and water rates and then even further taxes levied on these operators, whilst allowing and supporting mobile food vans with small nominal yearly fee, free rubbish collections from nearby bins, customer access to toilet facilities and sometimes even free power does not allow for a level playing field,” he said. The Shire of Northampton will vote on the proposal at its council meeting on Friday, February 17.