Stirling council was concerned about an application for a massage business.
Camera IconStirling council was concerned about an application for a massage business. Credit: Supplied/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Perth massage business rubbed out

Laura PondStirling Times

A MASSAGE business proposed to operate until midnight opposite a Perth church youth group has been knocked back amid concerns it would offer sexual services.

The City of Stirling has faced backlash over an application for a massage parlour at an empty office in Osborne Park’s industrial area, with surrounding business owners petitioning the council to reject the plans at its meeting on Tuesday night.

Reg Firth, who worked opposite the Howe Street site where a Catholic ministry for high school students met, told councillors there was a “strong possibility” it would operate as a brothel.

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It was revealed the original applicant runs a Rockingham escort service but pulled out of the venture a couple of weeks ago because of the backlash and it was now being advanced by the property owner.

In a statement given to the City justifying the application, the owner said there were “many similar businesses” operating in the area and if successful they would be “open, honest”, work with council on any stipulated requirements and “operate as a law-abiding business”.

The proposal was supported by Stirling planning staff, including the operating hours of 10am to midnight daily, because it met planning guidelines.

Photo of the site taken during a City of Stirling site inspection in September. Photo: City of Stirling
Camera IconPhoto of the site taken during a City of Stirling site inspection in September. Photo: City of Stirling Credit: Supplied/Laura Pond

But the council disagreed, with Cr Giovanni Italiano criticising the “vague” information provided by the applicant.

“The operating hours were a lot longer than what you’d usually expect,” he said.

“At one stage they were talking about wanting to work til 2, 3 o’clock in the morning.”

“It doesn’t appear that it was a legitimate application for a massage operation.”

The application was rejected by council, despite several councillors expressing concerns the proponent could appeal against the decision to the State Administrative Tribunal.

Last year, Community News investigated complaints from business owners and residents in Osborne Park and Tuart Hill about massage firms they believed were providing inappropriate services.

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