Ex-councillor Linton Hodsdon says the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River Old Settlement plan needs work

A close watcher of the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s plans for the town’s de facto historic precinct says the latest site plan is a missed opportunity. Former councillor and architect Linton Hodsdon said the Shire finally had a chance to make good on an inclusive vision for the Old Settlement after putting the precinct in the too-hard basket 10 years ago, but the renewal plan now out for public comment fell woefully short. The Shire had failed to produce a management plan for the site, as ordered in 2010, Mr Hodsdon said, and a detailed review to maximise the offering was needed before any new long-term leases were agreed — though leases were due within 12 months. The land which now includes the Hairy Marron Bike Cafe and relocated buildings occupied by the Margaret River and Districts Historical Society was reviewed in 2013 when a 10-year lease was awarded to winemaker Mike Gadd and Common Ground Trails owner David Willcox to create a bed and breakfast as well as a regional hub for mountain biking. Instead, the Hairy Marron was established, with the historical society using the old blacksmith’s workshop included in the commercial lease. The Shire declined to provide details of income received from lessees without a Freedom of Information Act application. Mr Hodsdon had devised his own vision for the precinct which he believed increased its connection to the town and offered more potential for activation. “The Hairy Marron and the historical society occupy one-third of the site and the rest of the reserve is barren — not the attraction it is vested to be,” Mr Hodsdon said. The Shire declined to comment on the lack of a management plan, instead noting the draft Wooditjup Bilya Precinct Community Plan was the result of four years of consultation, sustainable development and infrastructure, director Nick Logan said. “Rotary Park and the Old Settlement are local meeting places with rich cultural importance, recreational activities, community group facilities, and an abundance of natural beauty that community members and visitors alike love to frequent,” he said. “The plan aims to ensure what we all love about these locations is maintained and enhanced in the years to come.” The plan included work on infrastructure, amenity and parking, but Mr Hodsdon said more detail should be released on the Shire reserve fund which received money from the leases. Leaseholder Mr Willcox supported the Shire plan, including demolition of a house on site, and increasing the capacity for the Hairy Marron. “The Hairy Marron has really activated the whole site following the investment we made into the building,” he said. “The historical society has done a fantastic job expanding and revitalising its area. “It would be wise for future leases to be longer-term leases to enable additional capital investment in the site beyond what we were able to do with a 10-year lease.” Margaret River Rotary and the historical society declined to comment.