SW icon's demoltion delayed

Residents who want to retain Busselton's historical Nautical Lady tower will be holding their breath until after a special electors meeting on June 22.

Gates have been set up at the Nautical Lady site, with surrounding buildings, including the ice creamery, set to come down as planned, but the tower itself will remain intact.

The decision to defer the demolition was made by the City of Busselton following the delivery of a request, along with more than 100 residents' signatures, for a special meeting to Mayor Ian Stubbs on Tuesday this week.

Nautical Lady supporter Bill Gillbard told the _Times _ the meeting would be held specifically to consider holding a referendum on the issue.

He said he believed the meeting was a step in the right direction to save the tower.

"The outcome of this meeting will be reviewed," he said.

"There's a certain amount of elation, but we realise what the situation is."

Deputy Mayor Grant Henley said council would consider the outcomes of the meeting.

He said the ultimate decision of whether or not a referendum would be held would be made by the council after the meeting.

"Councillors considered the request and agreed to hold this special meeting of electors prior to the planned removal of the structure," he said.

"We urge all electors with a view on the matter to attend the meeting and have their say."

Busselton resident David Couch, who initially owned the tower and land on long-term leasehold until it was bought back by the City for $2.4 million, said he was pleased the council had finally listened to the community.

He said it would be an appalling waste of ratepayers' money to tear down the tower for "no good reason".

"The local council is wasting ratepayers' money on the foreshore redevelopment without having a clear understanding of what the people want on the beachfront," he said.

"This tower offers a unique vantage point unavailable elsewhere on the beachfront and only enhances a visit to the jetty."

The City has set aside $150,000 for the demolition of the tower and the _Times _ understands the work will only cost about $55,000.

City chief executive Mike Archer said he believed a referendum on the future of the tower would cost the City in excess of $30,000.

The special meeting of electors will be held on Monday, June 22 at Churchill Park Hall from 5.30pm.

For information relating to the meeting, contact governance services manager Lynley Rich by email lynley.rich@busselton.wa . gov.au or call 9781 0459.