Foreshore brewery hostility

The City of Busselton has received 25 public submissions on the touted 2100sqm development at the old Nautical Lady site on the foreshore, all opposing the move.

The proposal from a confidential developer for a microbrewery, restaurant and function centre at the site requires changes to the Busselton Foreshore Master Plan and Development Guide Plan.

Following public advertising for four weeks, the City received thirty submissions in total, including five from government agencies.

City chief executive Mike Archer said the objections related to the proposed footprint of the development and the scale and height of the two-storey building. There was also concern about the potential loss of public open space and the change to the look and feel of the foreshore area, he said.

“Other submissions objected to the introduction of an additional liquor establishment in the Busselton region and the impact on parking and traffic congestion. Some submissions objected to the removal of the Nautical Lady tower, ” he said.

City officers have suggested a landmark building at the old Nautical lady site would provide greater opportunity to activate the Busselton foreshore redevelopment.

The Busselton and Districts Residents Association is opposing the microbrewery and has suggested any development footprint should be limited to 1500sqm.

Mr Archer could not provide a date when the council would consider the proposal.

He said the submissions would be reviewed by officers and the council and they may choose to undertake additional consultation before making a deliberation.