Perth Voice Interactive

THE organisers of the Leederville Farmers’ Markets may have to pay rent of nearly $20,000 a year to use the Frame Court car park

Market owner Paul Ashbolt petitioned Vincent council to move the markets to Frame Court from a nearby spot. He’s hoping the new site with trees, a grassed area and playground will make the markets more viable.

Council staff say the plan will cost the city $32,175 per year in lost parking fees.

Mr Ashbolt told the Voice the proposed rent is “an issue for us” and notes the carpark only has 30 to 40 per cent usage Sunday mornings.

He says a formal appeal has been made to the council to bring terms “into line with that of other markets such as Subiaco and Mt Claremont who both run out of primary schools and enjoy that privilege rent-free”.

He notes those markets also have volunteers who provide support at virtually no cost.

The Leederville Farmers’ Markets were set up in part to give local producers a place to sell outside the Coles/Woolies duopoly.

“The market is making none of us rich,” Mr Ashbolt says, “but we do love what we do both for the local community and the WA growers and food artisans that we support.”

Given the markets are “far from entirely driven by commercial considerations” he hopes the council will give them “some kind of break on these fees”.

Councillors vote next week.

by DAVID BELL