Mandurah’s mayor says he understands the “angst” in the community about plans for a $23 million redevelopment of part of the western foreshore, with the proposal now open for public comment.
Two items relating to the proposed redevelopment of the western foreshore commercial site, currently leased by King Carnival, went before the council at its May 28 meeting with both the major land transaction and Western Foreshore Leisure Precinct master plan being adopted for advertising.
The proposal by the city’s preferred proponent Left Coast Leisure Group, which operates Busselton’s Shelter Brewing Co, includes a restaurant with a micro-brewery, 18-hole mini-golf course, cafe and chocolate factory. The development would operate seven days and is expected to attract 750,000 visitors annually and bring in an additional $30m in tourist spending to Mandurah each year.
LCLG director Zeb Packard-Hair said he could see the western foreshore becoming one of Australia’s premium waterfront precincts. Mr Packard-Hair said key aspects in planning the redevelopment were “sustainability, the natural attractions, families, locals and visitors”.
“We’re excited at this opportunity and can’t wait to see it progress over the coming months and years,” he said.
“Once the City of Mandurah has completed their eight-week community consultation process and received feedback, we’ll be able to finalise our agreement with them.”
Speaking at the meeting, mayor Rhys Williams said the feedback period would allow people to give their thoughts on the proposal, and not what else they would like on the site.
“What we’re seeking clarity for here, in relation to this part of the advertising, is people’s feedback on the preferred proposal the council has previously adopted as its preferred proponent,” he said. Mr Williams said it “isn’t a conversation about whether or not what’s there now should remain versus what is being proposed”.
“We’re also looking for people’s feedback on specific elements of concern that can be addressed through conditions… (the) feedback can form part of the conditions that enable this proposal to proceed,” he said. “It can also have council determine another option.”
The mayor said he “understood the angst in the community” about the future of the site.
Feedback is open on both items via mandurahmatters.com.au until July 26 before the items return to council for consideration in August.