The new Batemans Bay bridge works will close at least one business, leaving owners and employees without an income from January 2019.
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On the Pier restaurant will be out of operation during the works, but owners say they won’t be compensated.
After years of commitment, they say the closure is “heartbreaking”.
“I’ve been negotiating the lease at On the Pier (with the Crown) for a number of years,” owner Alan Imrie said.
“We’ve got our lease in place. Then all of a sudden the bridge appears.
“We couldn’t believe it. They (RMS) said they were going to deny all access.
“They said we could open on weekends, but that’s ludicrous. So we’ll close ... for four years.”
Co-owners Brendan McClelland and Belinda Whiteman, must walk away from a business they’ve invested years in.
“I started working here in 1996 as an apprentice and kitchen hand,” Ms Whiteman said.
“We purchased in November 2002. I’ve done 16 years of New Year’s Eves without my family and friends, whether there’s a newborn at home or whatever. It’s heartbreaking.
“We’ve done the hard yards in a small town, carrying losses and trading through winter – what for?”
Mr McClelland said the business was a family.
“A lot of our staff have been here for ten years ... people like working here,” he said.
“Kids come as kitchen hands and go on to be chefs; some go to uni and come back during the holidays.
“My children have worked here and Belinda’s children are starting. Al’s children have worked here.”
The trio said one of the biggest losses to the community would be employment.
“We carry at least 10 people during the winter and up to 30 over the summer,” Ms Whiteman said.
“It’s a loss for local growers, suppliers, and musicians.”
The restaurant will open with reduced hours until Christmas, then have one last full-time flurry, before closing on January 27.
“We’re trying to stay positive and enjoy what we’re doing, be creative, do some interesting things with food,” Mr McClelland said.
Mr Imrie will retain the lease, and plans to reopen as a wedding venue when the bridge is built.
However, “Brendan and Belinda can’t wait around for four years to get a job”.