Cafe 3nineteen owner Mark Burnett has received strong support from readers of The Newsport after learning of plans to demolish the building in December this year.

In The Newsport article 'Crunch time for 3nineteen' (Monday 27 August 2012), Mr Burnett argued that the economic benefit of retaining the Port Douglas cafe until such time State and Federal Government funding is secured far outweighs the benefit of Council's plan to use the location as a grassed recreation area.

"Tell us if there is an official protest to sign? All our family members in France know that place and want TO KEEP IT as-is," wrote Jean-Louis DiDomenico of Aix en Provence in France.

"I really hope it remains a restaurant. there are plenty of lovely views and grassed areas in Port Douglas, but not a lot of eateries directly on the water." wrote Jacqui Moysey of Sydney.

And this from Natalie Barnes from Port Douglas; "At least keep it open until they actually have proper funding to do something great with the area. Another patch of grass is a waste of space."

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Conversely, others highlighted that Mr Burnett was well aware of the short-term nature of the agreement before leasing the space.

"I feel for the owner, however, it was always known that 319 was closing to close. It was never a secret. Yes, it is a great restaurant and many people enjoy the breakfasts and sundowners, but the owner knew it was going to close," wrote Michelle Casey of Port Douglas.

And this from Michael Anderson of Port Douglas; "Time for it to go, the location is well out of date and needs improvements. when the new venue is built he can opt for a lease at realistic market rates."

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Mr Burnett said he would be willing to pay higher rent on the building, indicating that a one year extension to his lease would prompt him to spend $20,000 dollars refurbishing the site.

"I would gladly take a rent increase. I'd paint the facade, and do landscaping on the gardens, if we knew we had tenure there.

"There are always going to be people against it, who want it trashed and saying it's out-dated. But so are a lot of buildings.

"With a bit of a tickle we could really fix it up."

Mr Burnett said rent on the entire building, including offices formerly occupied by Hunt Design and Synergy Reef Sailing, could net Council up to $100,000 a year.

Mayor Bob Manning reiterated his position on the issue. "“My advice to the owner of 3nineteen is to take up the extension that is on the table.”