Rapids Landing Lester Group commercial centre could host fast-food operators off John Archibald Drive

A new commercial precinct already approved by the WA Planning Commission against local opposition could potentially bring a major fast-food operator to Margaret River for the first time. Community sentiment has shifted amid strong population growth in the past decade, meaning any application from major retailers such as McDonalds or Hungry Jacks might be met with open arms by some. But that was in stark contrast to public rallies and an established protest group which 10 years ago chased off a McDonalds outlet subject to tentative plans when the Woolworths complex was first built on the former Shire of Augusta-Margaret River headquarters on Townview Terrace. McDonalds since opted to build a store in Vasse, and responding to recent inquiries said it had no immediate plans for Margaret River. The development bid at the Lester Group’s upsized supermarket complex at Rapids Landing could potentially sidestep tight Shire planning controls which has made it impossible for fast-food companies relying on drive-through sales to establish a presence on Margaret River’s main street and Bussell Highway. The Times understands a fast-food outlet would be a permitted use in the new precinct, but Lester Group spokesman Stuart Lester declined to comment. Meanwhile, Shire planners said they were awaiting the proponent’s Local Development Plan which was a condition of approval when WAPC in July overruled Shire objections to a greatly increased commercial precinct in the town-centre subdivision. A Shire spokesperson said it wasn’t possible to comment on fast-food applications before the LDP was received, which would be in coming months. Shire planning and regulatory services manager Matt Cuthbert previously said the WAPC instructions would provide greater clarity about the overall precinct proposal before final approval. “Its purpose will be to create a framework for future development to ensure that it is in keeping with community expectations,” he said in July. In some good news, the Shire alone would consider the LDP, despite WAPC overruling its objections to the size and scope of the new precinct and the LDP would be advertised for public comment. The Lester Group’s bid was previously criticised by the Margaret River Chamber of Commerce which claimed the full-line supermarket and a dozen specialty shops risked splitting the local economy. Chamber spokeswoman Barbara Maidment told the Times it was believed fast-food retailers across the Capes met existing demand. “McDonalds coming to town depends on McDonalds’ assessment of demand and population,” Dr Maidment said. “The Shire is powerless to keep McDonalds out if the demand and population warrant it, in accordance with McDonalds’ internal assessments.” In August, the Times reported residents in Rapids Landing generally favoured the prospect of the shopping precinct.