Pleas to halt Stables Precinct plan

Residents of the Stables Precinct in Carey Park have made passionate pleas for ambitious residential rezoning plans not to go ahead.

About 20 people fronted the Bunbury City Council at its briefing session on Tuesday night where a rare question and answer session was held between elected members and concerned parties.

Residents claim they will eventually be forced out of the area, popular with horse trainers and trotting club users, if rezoning for higher density residential is endorsed.

The rezoning would expand over the existing “stables homes”, the council’s 3ha depot site on Nuytsia Avenue and parts of land adjacent to the trotting club including the jogging track.

Resident Kerry Keenan made an emotional statement to the council on Tuesday saying the plans would “destroy our lifestyle choice”.

Mrs Keenan said the stables area was considered the backbone of the industry in the South West and any plans for an increased population and horses to coexist were unrealistic.

“Complaints will happen around the area, putting pressure on the State Government... eventually forcing our fraternity to move out,” Mrs Keenan said.

She said if residents did move into the area they would undoubtedly complain about horse-related noise, odours, dust and flies and it would eventually fall back on existing residents.

The council started looking at its options for the area after negotiations to relocate its depot started last month.

It will decide next week whether to submit its draft plans to the WA Planning Commission and advertise the proposal for public comment.

Harness Racing WA manager Noel Reilly also attended Tuesday’s briefing and questioned whether the council was aware of the economic value of the industry – particularly in Bunbury.

Mr Reilly claimed it was valued at $58.3 million in Bunbury alone.

“By diminishing the horse population you will be diminishing the economic impact in the area,” Mr Reilly told the council.

Mayor Gary Brennan said the council would consider making modifications to the draft plan next week.