Melbourne Kiteboarding Academy fights council attempt to boot business after 18 years
THE owner of a popular kiteboarding school says a council recommendation to not renew his licence after 18 years is “a disgrace”.
Matt Jones has operated the Melbourne Kiteboarding Academy on St Kilda’s West Beach for 18 years.
But his business ranked last among six applications under the council’s criteria, with even a new company beating it to one of the four licenses on offer.
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Mr Jones said “words on paper” counted for more than his long track record under the system.
He told a council meeting last night that it was “most upsetting” that council officers had rejected his business in favour of one that “has no history in the area”.
“It astounds me that I’ve been rated last and a new business has been given a permit,” Mr Jones said.
“It’s a disgrace.”
Only four kiteboarding operators are allowed to set up at West Beach.
The council officers’ recommendation approved three-year licences for Kite Republic, The Zu Board Sports, GoKite and a one-year licence for newcomer Kitearmada.
Applications were assessed on factors such as safety, community and environmental impact, finance, and community benefit.
Mr Jones said he questioned how an “unknown” business could score higher than his, given his company’s track record, which has included thousands of dollars of donations to local charities.
“I’ve raised about $20,000 for the Queensland flood appeals, I’ve donated a percentage of my takings from the school to Sacred Heart Mission, always have done,” he said.
“Now an application for a new school ... has been granted a permit just by words on paper, not by the actions of what I’ve achieved over the years.”
After Mr Jones’ plea, councillors voted to delay approval of kiteboarding permits.
Cr Andrew Bond said he wasn’t satisfied he had enough information to “make the right decision here”.
“We’re not just a rubberstamp for an officers’ recommendation, we have to agree with (it) based on our own observations and our own opinions,” he said.
Cr Serge Thomann said it was important councillors had more information about why Mr Jones’ application was rejected, given his history.
Permits were granted to nine other applicants for various activities, including stand-up paddle boarding, sea kayaking and beach volleyball.