A SMALL business owner is fighting to save her popular foreshore sauna in Mordialloc after being told by Kingston Council her lease would not be renewed, sparking community outrage and claims of unfair treatment.
Seasoul Sauna, a tiny two-by-two-metre mobile unit that caters to up to six people, is facing closure by 2 December despite having become a local gem since launching as part of an 11-month trial. The business’ founder, Amy Salisbury, named Kingston’s Woman of the Year last year, said the council’s decision was “unfair and unjust” given the sauna’s positive community impact and her efforts to comply with all requirements.
Salisbury, a mum of two, said she had poured her energy into the business which is located within the grounds/gravel car park of the Mordialloc Sailing Club, which itself is a tenant of Kingston Council.
In under a year, she has built a loyal customer base, with regulars praising the sauna for promoting health, mindfulness, and connection – all of which she believed met the council’s wellbeing plan.
Seasoul Sauna was also a finalist in Kingston’s Sustainable Business Awards in September for the inclusion and diversity category.
“I feel like it has become quite controversial for some strange reason when it’s such a wonderful asset to the community,” Salisbury told The News. “It’s devastating for the community, and just disappointing that I’m not being given a fair process or alternative beachside options. “I am very open to discussing what that could look like, how we could work it, but so far there’s no conversation about that.”
In a statement, a council spokesperson said: “The council only ever offered an 11-month trial period to help explore if allowing commercial operators on our fragile foreshore was a good idea.” “There was never an agreement to extend beyond the trial, which attracted a mix of community support and complaints,” the spokesperson continued.
“Any future use of the foreshore by private businesses would require careful consideration, in partnership with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, to determine if and how commercial operations could occur on the foreshore without impacting the environment, public safety, neighbouring homes and public access to the beach. “This will take some time, and if it proceeds, any businesses would need to go through a fair and transparent application process. “Council has been actively working with the business to identify alternative sites and offered support services free of charge to support their transition.”
Salisbury, who was also behind creating the Mordi Sea Dippers cold-water group, said the business’ footprint was minimal and “so far there has yet to be a meeting with any council officers about discussing alternative sites”. She also expressed frustration over a perceived shift in the council’s stance saying, “they promoted me in all different ways, and they were very positive about it – and at some point, something changed”.“We will continue to stand up for what is right and what is fair – and what is equal and what should be equal for everyone in the community, and we should be supporting small businesses to help them thrive,” she said.
Consumer advocate Adam Glezer, from Consumer Champion, who is supporting Salisbury in her dispute with the council, called the situation unacceptable, saying, “the lack of transparency surrounding this situation is deeply concerning”.
“Amy has endured months of unnecessary stress because of how this has been handled,” he told The News, adding, “what’s most troubling is the complete absence of a clear explanation”. “Isn’t community wellbeing supposed to be the main priority of the local council? If so, this clearly doesn’t pass the pub test.
“We’re not asking for a ten-year lease; just a reasonable extension while the policy is being reviewed and finalised. Once this happens, what matters most is that everyone is treated fairly and consistently.
“I’ve never witnessed such overwhelming community support for a small business like Seasoul Sauna – with 1900 petition signatures, 60 attendees at a local meeting, and even businesses from outside the area rallying behind it. That kind of unity is a huge boost for the local economy and surrounding businesses.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 15 October 2025
