Perth Voice Interactive

Unelected DAP has final say

THE Maylands Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association has voted to oppose the $3.5 million expansion of the liquor store at the Peninsula Tavern.

The application for the Railway Parade pub and bottleshop includes a 743sqm Dan Murphy’s outlet, courtyards and family-style bistro, 123 car bays and two-storey offices above the liquor store.

The MRRA will present its opposition to the bottleshop element at the next meeting of the Bayswater Development Assessment Panel—an unelected body appointed by the Barnett government to decide major planning issues. The local elected council has no say in the decision.

MRRA president Roger Tomlins says he supports development of the site with ideally a family tavern, but without the Woolworths-owned liquor store.

“We have enough problems with anti-social behaviour fuelled by drinking in the area,” he says.

Last year unelected planning authorities overrode council objections and approved a Coles Liquorland on Guildford Road. That ultimately fell over when the WA liquor commission refused to grant a liquor licence on the grounds the 1250sqm outlet might harm “at-risk” people by providing access to plentiful cheap booze.

Maylands is home to community-based services that support people with alcohol-related issues, including 55 Central, Bulup Kulung Hostel, Derbal Didjar Hostel and Shopfront. Council staff fear Woolworths’ plans for the hotel pose a similar risk, despite being half the size.

Bayswater council staff have already recommended rejection of Woolworths’ makeover of the Peninsula Tavern in Maylands.

Council staff say the proposal affects amenity and doesn’t comply with the town planning scheme.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK