Pedal boat business gets afloat in Butler

A BUTLER couple have received the green light to set up a pedal boat business on one of Butler’s artificial lakes.

Robert and Christine Pitchford’s pedalo proposal returned to the City of Wanneroo council agenda last month following an objection.

Mr Pitchford had received in-principle support for the business on the Kingsbridge Park lake in April. The City then issued a public notice announcing the lease.

But because one person wrote to the City objecting, the matter had to return to the council for further consideration.

Addressing the concerns raised, the June 28 report said the irrigation lake was not a natural environment and the koi carp were an introduced fish species.

It said birdlife would be able to take refuge on the other two lakes, and the pedal boats were unlikely to increase pollution.

Councillor Linda Aitken moved the recommendation to maintain support for the proposal and authorise a commercial lease.

“This is a fantastic creative idea for our community; I look forward to seeing the project up and running as soon as possible,” she said.

Seconder Cr Dianne Guise said the report addressed initial concerns about the environmental impact on the lake and the business would bring visitors to the area.

Mr Pitchford originally approached the City with the idea to have 10 pedalos on the artificial lake in May 2015.

He said he hoped to have the business up and running in September.

MORE: Pedal boat hire to start at Kingsbridge Park lake.