How the relocation of a Bunnings store ignited a furore in this town

Bunnings's plan to move from Bunbury has prompted a strong community reaction. (ABC News: Madigan Landry ) Bunnings's plan to relocate a store in WA's south west has sparked fierce opposition from businesses, politicians and residents. Critics argue the move could hurt nearby retailers and take up land for housing during a housing shortage. The hardware giant says the $70 million relocation from Bunbury will create jobs. Planning authorities are yet to make a decision. Link copiedShareShare articleA public outcry has erupted over Bunnings's decision to shut up shop in Western Australia's second-largest city and move down the road to a neighbouring shire. The hardware giant plans to vacate its site at a retail centre in Bunbury, south of Perth, and shift to Dalyellup, 10 kilometres away in the neighbouring Shire of Capel. The $70 million move has prompted bitter objections from the city's business community, mayor, and both federal and state politicians. Eddy Gobby, who owns a suspension workshop close to the Bunnings site near Bunbury's CBD, is concerned the hardware giant's departure will hurt surrounding businesses. Eddy Gobby fears businesses surrounding the Bunnings precinct, like his, will suffer a loss of trade. (ABC News: Jacqueline Lynch) Questions have been raised about the suitability of the proposed new site, which is zoned for urban development, and whether it takes away residential land. About 100 people attended a community meeting about the move this week and the City of Bunbury subsequently voted to lodge a formal objection to the move. Dozens of people attended a public meeting about the plan. (ABC South West WA: Georgia Loney) Federal Liberal MP Ben Small is demanding WA planning authorities refuse the development application on the grounds that the land should be used for housing. "The number one issue for the South West is the lack of sufficient housing," he said. The land is zoned urban development, which allows for a mix of uses, and under the shire's structure plan has been set aside for residential use. But Capel council officers said the land may no longer be appropriate for residential use, given its proximity to a recently built major highway connection. The vacant site, south-west of the Bussell Highway roundabout, where the Bunnings may be built. (Supplied: Nearmap) The WA Planning Commmission (WAPC) will make the final decision about permitted use of the land. The ABC has confirmed WA Labor MP Don Punch, who has also lodged concerns with state planning authorities. Bunnings's director of property Garry James said the new 18,000-square-metre store would create about 60 new jobs. Bunbury has strong historical ties to the hardware giant, which ran a timber yard in the city as far back as the early 1900s. (ABC News: Gian De Poloni) "We are currently progressing through the planning approvals process," he said. A spokesperson for the planning minister said the WAPC would consider feedback from the community and the City of Bunbury before making a decision. The furore comes also comes as the Bunbury CBD continues efforts for revitalisation, with businesses concerned moving Bunnings further away from the city centre will have knock-on effects. Mr Small has former business ties to Bunnings's commercial landlord, Michael Prosser. Mr Prosser's family have grown a property empire in Bunbury, known as Citygate Properties, which owns the Homemakers Centre where Bunnings is located. As an individual, Mr Prosser also previously held joint ownership of a local bar with Mr Small. Forrest MP Ben Small spoke at the public meeting about Bunnings's plan to move to Capel. (ABC South West WA: Georgia Loney) Mr Small said his views on the matter were completely independent of his past commercial and personal relationship with Mr Prosser. "I pride myself on independent decision making." The ABC has reached out to Citygate Properties and Mr Prosser for comment but is yet to receive a response. Queensland University of Technology retail researcher Gary Mortimer said he did not believe Bunnings had an obligation to stay where it was. An artist impression of the new Bunnings store, south of Bunbury. (Supplied: Shire of Capel) He noted that Bunnings, like other big box retailers, often faced criticism when it moved into an area, not when it left. "I don't think the same standard exists for any other retailer, bedding retailer or furniture retailer or rugs retailer." Gary Mortimer says big retailers face a huge amount of community scrutiny. (Supplied: Gary Mortimer) The Shire of Capel is set to vote whether to endorse the development plan tonight. Shire President John Fergusson previously said it was ultimately a commercial decision for Bunnings and state planning authorities. Copy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)PromotionTop StoriesIran attacks US navy base after US retaliates over helicopter downingLIVE

How the relocation of a Bunnings store ignited a furore in this town

Key takeaways

More in international