Red tape spoils Luke Mangan’s long lunch dream in the Southern Highlands
A long lunch planned by celebrity chef Luke Mangan to celebrate Southern Highlands produce has been shelved, with organisers blaming “excessive red tape” from the local council for forcing its cancellation.
Set to take place on September 28 beside Robertson’s iconic Big Potato, the three-course event promised a relaxed day of local food, hay bales, fire pits, and live music. But despite strong support from the community and businesses, organisers pulled the pin after Wingecarribee Shire Council insisted the lunch required a full development application – a process that typically takes eight months and costs thousands of dollars.
“I pulled the plug on it … I don’t want to do it somewhere else,” Mangan said. “Everyone is trying to survive with their businesses...it was more for an activity, an experience and to bring people to the area – if you’ve got council stopping you ... it does make you wonder – what’s the point of it all?”
Robertson Business Chamber president Jennifer Macquarie backed the event and expressed frustration at the setback. “We were excited, all he wanted to do was set up some tables and chairs and celebrate what makes this town special ... it seemed pretty straightforward,” she said.
The council, meanwhile, said a development application was required given “the scale, duration, and nature of the event”.
The lunch had also been set to support musicians, tourism operators and small businesses. “Events like this are essential to the vibrancy and sustainability of regional towns,” Macquarie said.
Jonathan Jackson, 29th July 2025
