The Shire of Gingin voted unanimously last week to support the proposal for the Lot 301 King Drive business.
The convenience store ” to be named Rusky’s cafe ” would sell bread, milk, newspapers and bakery goods. The coffee shop-restaurant would seat up to 20 people.
The proposal went out for public comment recently and 21 people supported the application while 13 did not, stating the increasing traffic from Indian Ocean Drive, capacity of the existing car park and local amenity concerns were the main reasons for objecting.
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READ NOWAfter a two-year battle and a petition of almost 300 signatures, applicants Olga and Marc O’Donnell said ‘it’s a breath of fresh air’ to receive planning approval.
‘We have lived here for nearly 10 years and we see traffic goes a lot through this area but there’s nothing around for food, coffee or drinks,’ Mrs O’Donnell said.
‘It has taken a long time and we’ve had the Shire telling us different things of how to approach this.’
Shire CEO Jeremy Edwards said the proposal would benefit the community and provide a much-needed service to local residents.
‘This could attract additional tourists, however, the proposal was to cater for the local community,’ he said.
‘During the development phases of the project Shire officers requested consideration be given to providing a turnaround point nearby for caravans travelling up Indian Ocean Drive to stop.’
Mrs O’Donnell said she hoped the cafe would open for business by Christmas.
‘We thank Norm Skoglund from Small Business Centre in Lancelin who helped us with everything and we are now in a process of submitting the draft plans,’ she said.
‘We’ll wait for a letter from the Shire, connect site power, and submit a building licence so hopefully we can start building in coming weeks.’
Pauline Shelton, who has lived in Woodridge for 20 years, is looking forward to the cafe opening.
‘People have to drive to Guilderton, Two Rocks or Gingin for a convenience store.
‘We have an art studio and that’s about it, so this is a Godsend to Woodridge.’