Expressions of Interest close: Friday 18 December 2026
Burdekin Shire Council is inviting Expressions of Interest from suitably experienced businesses or individuals interested in establishing and operating a café, coffee shop, restaurant or similar hospitality offering from premises adjoining Plantation Park.
Council is seeking proposals that will activate the premises, complement Plantation Park and provide an attractive food, beverage or hospitality offering for residents and visitors.
The purpose of this Expression of Interest is to understand the level of interest in the premises and the types of hospitality operations that prospective operators may wish to establish.
About the opportunity
Located within Plantation Park on the Bruce Highway in Ayr, the premises offer an opportunity to establish a new hospitality offering in an established community and visitor location.
Council welcomes proposals for a range of hospitality concepts, including:
- café or coffee shop
- restaurant or casual dining
- takeaway food and beverages
- other similar hospitality offerings.
The location provides access to both the local community and visitors travelling through the Burdekin, with Plantation Park offering caravan and coach parking, picnic and barbecue facilities, public amenities and attractive shaded parkland.
The park is also home to the Burdekin Visitor Information Centre, which operates seven days a week, and Plantation Nature Play, a popular family-friendly play space featuring all-abilities equipment, climbing areas and other nature-based activities.
Council is currently considering a lease term of up to 10 years, subject to negotiation, Council approval and applicable legislative and trustee lease requirements.
Trustee lease
The premises are located on State reserve land, with Burdekin Shire Council acting as trustee. As a result, any lease of the premises will be established through a trustee lease and will be subject to the requirements of the Land Act 1994.
Council will consider the proposed use of the premises against the purpose of the reserve and any other applicable requirements as part of the assessment and leasing process.
Further information about Council’s approach to leasing Council-owned and controlled land is available in Council’s Property and Leasing Policy on Council’s website.
Inspect the premises
Interested parties are encouraged to come along and inspect the premises.
Friday 20 November 2026
10:00am to 12:00pm
Plantation Park
A Council officer will be available during this time to show interested parties through the premises and answer questions about the opportunity.
If you are unable to attend, please contact Rahul Choudhury via email rahul.choudhury@burdekin.qld.gov.au or phone 4783 9800 to discuss the opportunity or request further information.
