Contentious tavern on Bouvard Island granted approval

The City of Mandurah voted 7-5 for the tavern after more than two hours of deliberations and deputations.

The proposal, a restaurant with seating areas for patrons, a stand-up bar, take- away craft beer and wine and a micro brewery, divided the community.

The biggest point of dispute was the micro brewery.

Residents were concerned about likely drinking, littering, anti-social behaviour, noise and the smell from a micro brewery.

Craig Johnson said the building had been designed as a cafe/kiosk in 2003 and claimed supporters of the proposed tavern lived nowhere near it.

Graham Miller claimed the majority of people supporting a tavern were not permanent residents.

Mr Miller also asked the council to investigate the alleged abuse of a position to lobby support for the tavern, but was rebuked by Mayor Marina Vergone who told him any such claims should be forwarded to the council.

Applicant and Gold Plate-award winning chef, barista and City Beach restaurateur George D’Annunzio told councillors food was his passion and he had never had issues with liquor licensing, councils or police.

He said he would take up residence at Port Bouvard.

According to retired lawyer Geoff Baldock, the site had been empty for 14 years and it was depressing and lacking in action or vibrancy.

He described the City Beach restaurant as impressive and said there had been an explosion of micro breweries over the past few years.

Councillors approved the proposal with strict conditions rather than allow an appeal to the State Adminstrative Tribunal where it could be approved with no restrictions.