City of Mandurah councillors are in the process of deciding whether an upcoming restaurant near the Dawesville Bridge should be permitted to open a bar service.
The new management of a venue near along Rod Court in Wannanup has aimed to bring Mandurah residents live entertainment in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
The Cut Tavern Bar & Bistro, as the new business will be known, was proposed by Crafty Enterprises Pty Ltd.
The premises has previously been occupied by The Pines Restaurant and the Jolly Frog Restaurant.
A report, authored by Danni Briggs, outlining set recommendations by city officers was put before councillors at their June 12 meeting.
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The report discussed the applicant’s hopes to turn the venue into a vibrant venue based in Mandurah’s southern suburbs and what changes councillors needed to approve to bring their dream to fruition.
While a number of councillors spoke positively on the recommendations, one local resident capitalised on the opportunity to express his grievances during the deputations period.
Alan Wenlock gave a deputation against the officer’s recommendations on behave of homeowners along Bouvard Court.
He voiced his concerns over the antisocial behaviour serving alcohol at the premises could bring to the area.
Mr Wenlock said the area was known for being a hotspot for “drug deals” and reflected back to the recent high-profile incident where a man armed with a knife was shot by police.
“The effect on the residential area will be catastrophic,” Mr Wenlock told councillors.
Despite the woes expressed during the deputation, the recommendations were endorsed in a majority by councillors.
The vote was led by mayor Rhys Williams and seconded by his deputy Caroline Knight, but the final say on the proposed changes will only take effect after councillors endorse the recommendations at their June 26 meeting.
Mr Williams said he had met with the applicants on two occasions and described the new business as a “prime opportunity”.
He said the venue would provide employment opportunities and an entertainment spot for people living in Mandurah’s southern suburbs.
Mr Williams said minor amendments would need to be made to the officer’s recommendations but said the proposal would show “Mandurah is open for business”.
The venue has current approval for 300 patrons and, according to the report, the new business has no intention to lift that figure.
After the proposal was advertised to about 200 landowners, representing a 300-metre radius of the site, 14 submissions were received.
To view the latest agenda visit the City of Mandurah’s website.
