The Perth council that wants the Showgrounds relocated

CLAREMONT Councillors want the Showgrounds gone – but the Royal Agricultural Society just won’t go.

Noise complaints and traffic congestion have swayed councillors to recommend the West Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) find a new home for the showgrounds.

But RASWA told the Weekly it wouldn’t be calling in the removalists.

“The Royal Agricultural Society of WA has no plans to leave its home in Claremont – there is no debate or discussion about leaving the existing site and we are pleased that both the Premier and Minister for Planning have confirmed any potential move would be a matter for us alone,” RAS President Paul Carter said.

Councillor Kate Main hit out at a Claremont Showgrounds Management Plan created by the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS), which outlines how the RAS envisions redevelopment of the site.

She said the Management Plan was not detailed enough in describing what the redevelopment of the site would look like.

“This proposal has no detail, no absolutes in setbacks, heights or buffer zones or absolutes of what is going where or what the buildings will be used for,” she said.

Mayor Jock Barker said accepting the plan would be like “signing off a blank cheque or contract without knowing the results”.

“In order for the Showgrounds to survive, the RAS are in turn trying to transform it into something the Act wont permit – the Act says for Agricultural Show purposes and it’s a pretty tenuous line to say they can run motels and retail,” he said.

Mr Barker has remained tight lipped on what the Town would do with the site if the showgrounds were relocated.

If the WAPC refuses The Town’s request to relocate the Showgrounds, councillors will consider the Management Plan but will request the RAS make changes.

Changes will include reconsidering supporting uses of the site including hotel, motel, serviced apartments, retail shops and restaurant developments as well as axing amplified music concerts at the Showgrounds.