Wanneroo Trotting and Training Club has lease renewed

Wanneroo Trotting and Training Club (WTTC) was granted a one-year lease extension for Nanovich Park at the February 7 meeting.

The club previously sought a five-year tenancy in September 2015, which was rejected by council two months later in favour of a one-year term.

The City’s report said it has been seeking to relocate Wanneroo BMX Club from its Mary Street premises for the past few years because of zoning issues and the site’s freehold status, and an investigation into alternative sites, including Nanovich Park, was finalised in December.

It said the City was considering options to move the WTTC and was concerned a lease beyond one year would limit its “ability to adequately consider the best outcome for the future of the BMX Club”.

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The WTTC had again sought a five-year term but agreed to the offer, which sees it pay $1 rent per annum and manage all maintenance, insurance, rates and taxes.

According to the report, the club had previously erected fencing and cleared native vegetation without permission and dumped waste within and outside the leased area.

But it noted the City had a positive working relationship with the new committee that was appointed in 2014 and they were aware of its responsibilities and requirements.

Cr Frank Cvitan supported approval of the lease and said the City had dealt with previous issues in a “sensible way”.

“(WTTC has) the opportunity to prove they can look after this ground; if they can’t they may lose it,” he said.

Cr Dianne Guise said she wanted to see a business case from the club and that the deal would give the City time to confirm relocation plans.

“They have a long, proud history in the area and I’m loathe to let them leave the region as there’s no other track north of the river to my knowledge,” she said.

“I think this is a good offer for the trotting club, given the issues.”

While supporting the recommendation, Cr Samantha Fenn noted council had considered the same report last year.

“I agree we need to give them another year, but I believe we need to be a lot more assertive in getting a business case and alternative site so we’re not in this position next year,” she said.