After facing backlash over suggestions to ban hot chip sales at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre, city councillors have assured the public the popular food will remain on the menu.
At a council meeting on Tuesday evening, City of Mandurah councillors unanimously passed recommendations to provide healthier food options, extend opening hours and monitor parking facilities at the sports hub.
In March, the debate over the recreation centre’s food options was pushed into the local government’s focus by coastal ward councillor Fred Riebeling.
Mr Riebeling told his fellow elected representatives he held a series of concerns over the centre and they had led him to develop the motion.
At the meeting on Tuesday, Mr Riebeling reflected on his comments from March.
He said he regretted stating that hot chips should be banned completely from the canteen’s menu.
“I probably shouldn’t have used those words if I used them,” he said.
“The press can be told that we still have chips.”
He apologised for any issues his motion had cause for his fellow councillors.
“I’m sorry… It caused some people some grief.
“I just wanted to make sure we’re doing the best we can.
“It’s incumbent on us to make sure our food choices are as healthy as possible.”
Mr Riebeling assured the public the canteen wouldn’t “change that much” and the move to introduce alternative options were part of a “bigger solution”.
He said sporting facilities, hospitals and schools should set the benchmark for healthy food options.
Mayor Rhys Williams took to social media to express councils stance on the chip debate.
He quashed rumours of a total chip ban at the centre.
”The answer, by the way, is no, of course not,” he wrote.
“There are no better chips anywhere in the world than the chips at our MARC.... we just want to make sure we have plenty of healthy options available for those who are seeking it. That's all.”
In a report presented to councillors by the city’s recreation centres and services manager Craig Johnson at the meeting, recommendations also suggested council approve extended weekend opening hours at the centre on trial basis.
Between November 3 and March 3, the facility will open at 6.30am on Saturdays and Sundays.
When the trial is complete a report will be handed back to council on levels of attendance.
Follow Caitlyn Rintoul on Twitter via @caitlynrintoul.
