Burn-offs reviewed after ash upsets patrons

Dardanup Shire Council is investigating burn-off rules in the Ferguson Valley after a business owner complained about a neighbour’s clean-up during peak business hours, causing patrons to walk out.

Moody Cow Brewery owner Grant McClintock has gone to the council to get fire restrictions put on surrounding properties after weekend burn-offs caused customers to complain, then leave.

Mr McClintock said about six weeks ago a neighbour also lit a bonfire, which he claims resulted in ash landing on patrons’ food.

Dardanup shire president Mick Bennett said the council was investigating the matter after the formal complaint was issued.

“Under our Health Local Law, council is able to prosecute and it is looking at its options,” he said.

“The best thing about the valley is we need people to be returning regularly to all of our businesses – these types of actions will put people off completely. This is very sad.

“It’s pretty dumb to do it and you only need a couple of sparks near his property and it could be disastrous.”

Mr McClintock said he approached the council after the bonfire six weeks ago and was advised there was nothing the council could do.

“There is reluctance on council’s behalf,” he said.

“On my observations, they tend to sit back when it gets to a point.”

This is not the first time the brewery and its neighbours have been at odds. Last year, the council approved a concert at the brewery despite noise concerns from near-by landowners.

Mr Bennett said the council would like to see more tourism ventures in the valley and it was unfortunate another brewery, Wild Bull Brewery, closed down.

Mr McClintock’s neighbours contacted by the South Western Times, declined to comment.

“There is reluctance on council’s behalf. On my observations, they tend to sit back when it gets to a point” — Grant McClintock

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