John Hayes wants the idea to develop a cafe on Shelley foreshore shelved.
Camera IconJohn Hayes wants the idea to develop a cafe on Shelley foreshore shelved. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Shelley foreshore cafe not Riverton resident’s cup of tea

Emma GearyCanning Gazette

Mr Hayes, who has lived in the suburb for 50 years and operated a local real estate business for 40 years, said a cafe on Shelley foreshore would substantially change a significant area of public riverfront land.

His comments came after a City of Canning survey that canvassed local residents on recreational, environmental and cultural opportunities for the foreshore, including the idea of cafe/restaurant.

Mr Hayes said Rossmoyne and Shelley would soon have three cafes.

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“Within an approximate radius of 2.5km there is a coffee outlet in Central Road, Rossmoyne, and a very successful venture at the Riverton Bridge,” he said.

“And within 400 metres of the Shelley foreshore area there is yet another coffee outlet proposed in a commercial development in Tribute Street, Shelley.

“Rossmoyne and Shelley together have approximately 2600 dwellings and I daresay in themselves there are not enough residents to support yet another coffee outlet.”

My Hayes, who is now retired, said the Shelley foreshore was not commercial land and should be available for public use only.

“If a local business person had gone to council with a proposal to develop a cafe outlet on public open space, there is little doubt such a proposal would have been rejected outright,” Mr Hayes said.

“It would be better to simply enhance the area and let families continue to make their own fun there.”

He said the foreshore area was in constant use by residents and visitors for walking and running.

“Residents and visitors to the area find the foreshore to be a wonderful place of peace and beauty and I believe they wish it to remain just as it is for their quiet enjoyment.

“The foreshore land is quite inappropriate for the purpose being proposed.

“It is hard to see a cup of coffee could possibly be more important to anyone rather than maintaining the area for uses it already offers.”

Mr Hayes encouraged Rossmoyne and Shelley residents to contact councillors to let them know how they felt about the proposal.

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