Unsustainable rent increases and inappropriately zoned buildings forces Donnybrook business to close doors

Owners of a community business denied use of a vacant council building, say they will now have to close their doors. Triple J Brazilian Jiu Jitsu owner Kevin Johns said the application to the Donnybrook Shire council for use of one of its vacant buildings was one of the many solutions he had tried when faced with unsustainable rent increases. The demise of his business of five years will be the third small operator in the town to face closure with Nourish Me Up and Apple Babies in the Central Donnybrook Arcade announcing they will shut down in coming weeks. Mr Johns said a lack of affordable and appropriately zoned buildings in Donnybrook was an impediment to business in the town. “I’ve always done it for love and passion,” he said. “What can you do? You can’t keep chucking money at it.” Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup commissioner Gail McGowan said the Shire had tried to work with the business to find an appropriate solution including offering space in the town’s recreation centre. Mr Johns confirmed he initially had the support of the Shire but claimed they kept falling short of suitable solutions. “The Shire failed to offer any support after six months worth of work,” he said. “They offered us a facility at the rec centre. It was completely unsuitable.” An application by Mr Johns to lease an empty Shire-owned building on Bentley Street was denied during the ordinary council meeting on June 28 due to conflicting zoning and land use, and competing expressions of interest from other community groups. “There was a lot riding on this,” Mr Johns said. “I’m completely surprised that they didn’t jump at the chance to fill the building which has been empty for eight years.” Ms McGowan said the Shire would continue to work with small businesses to ensure a thriving local economy, and will continue to focus on building its newly established economic development portfolio and small business grants trial program. “The Shire supports small businesses to the best of their ability,” she said. “We will work with any small business to find a solution but it’s hard to provide a ‘free-kick’ to a commercial business over local community groups. “We’ve tried hard to help Triple J BJJ, however we can’t seem to find a solution that meets their needs while also complying with certain restraints such as zoning regulations.” Mr Johns said the associated Brazilian jiujitsu club would continue in private and he would look to re-establish the business in the future if there was a shift in the availability of affordable premises in the town. “You become an outlet for these people. You’re more than just a coach,” he said. “It’s just a shame.”