Busselton foreshore brewery go-ahead

Majority community opposition has failed to stop Busselton City Council from endorsing plans for a microbrewery on the Busselton foreshore.

The council passed the concept for a microbrewery, restaurant and function centre with a reduced footprint of 1700sqm without debate at their meeting on Wednesday.

The reduced footprint was publicly advertised last month, attracting 107 submissions in opposition and only 33 in support.

The public’s main concerns were anti-social behaviour, a lack of parking and the size of the development. However, City officers said in their report to the council they were confident they could deal with these issues.

City staff added in the report that it was an ideal time to increase hospitality offerings at the foreshore because existing venues were at capacity during the peak summer period.

The City will now draft a heads of agreement document with the confidential proponent including conditions for a future ground lease.

It is estimated this would be considered by the council in August or September, subject to endorsement of the Busselton Foreshore Development Master Plan by the WA Planning Commission and lease approval by the Minister for Lands.

The lease revenue would be directed to the Jetty Maintenance Reserve.

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