UPDATED. 12.30pm: Over 400 people have now signed the change.org petition to save Friday night pizza in Glenburn.
Country Woodfired Pizza’s owners Justine and Damien Baker yesterday launched a social media and change.org campaign asking the community to get behind them to continue trading at the old Glenburn Hotel site.
The Baker’s hope locals will “contact Craig Lloyd, Murrindindi Shire CEO at msc@murrindindi.vic.gov.au to let him know that Country Woodfired Pizza offers a place to stop, a place to eat, a social meeting point, a rest from traffic,” the Bakers said.
Over 400 people have signed the petition as at 12.30pm today.
“Zoning has not changed since we started trading 6 years ago,” Baker said.
“In the letter [above] the shire points out alternative trading sites such as the petrol station mmm how well does petrol/ gas go with a wood-burning appliance?”
“Glenburn Pub was a thriving business up until the day it was destroyed in the 2009 Black Saturday Fires.
“A place for people to stop, stretch their legs and take a break from their trip. A safe place to pull off the [Melba] Highway with plenty of room for caravans, floats, boats and trailers.
“Somewhere to grab a bite to eat or refreshing drink with the option of take -away alcohol.
“This letter is to advise you that the owner of the property has been notified that the use of the land for this purpose must cease by March 25, 2019, and that should the use continue beyond this date, other action will be investigated.
“With no facility post-Black Saturday, in 2013 Country Woodfired Pizza filled the gap in offering food and drinks to the locals and tourists frequenting the area.
“Trading every Friday from 4pm encouraged people to stop and take a break … an alternative to the takeaway food provided at the Glenburn United petrol station just metres away.
“With regulars such as the Victoria Police Highway Patrol and Ambulance Victoria supporting the business it puts out the message that everyone needs a break and only makes our highway a safer place.
“With the support of many tourists and locals the business sells in excess of 100 pizzas on a Friday evening, now that’s a few drivers needing a break!” Baker concluded.
Country Woodfired Pizza pay rent to the landholder of tthe former Glenburn Hotel site.
