Hundreds of people rallied on Tuesday afternoon to save the iconic King Carnival in Mandurah after it was revealed earlier this year a destination Busselton brewery would be taking over the site.
The crowd of about 200 walked from the Carnival location to the City of Mandurah building to gather ahead of Tuesday’s council meeting.
The crowd set off from the Western Foreshore about 4pm led by a brass marching band, before crossing the Town Bridge and walking along the Eastern Foreshore.
Chants of “Save the King” rang out as more supporters joined the crowd as they walked along the waterfront, in the background, the Carnival’s famous Ferris wheel was draped in material bearing the message “Save the carnival”.
Some demonstrators carried placard signs provided by the Carnival, including Annette Hurton and Kerry Day who were among the supporters.
Ms Day said King Carnival was an “icon” of Mandurah and should stay, over the proposed brewery.
“It’s always been in Mandurah, it’s an icon of this place,” she said.
“It’s been here as long as I’ve been alive, there’s fabulous fun to be had there.
“We don’t want a brewery over there, we don’t want drunk people walking past.
“If they’d (the carnival) been given a chance to upgrade their equipment they would have but they’ve been given short leases all the time.”
The Halls Head resident said she would visit the carnival “at least every Thursday night” as a child and had gone on to take her children there.
“We don’t want big businesses coming in all the time and taking over,” she said.
“So we’ve got to stick by one another, and the carnival’s always done that, they donate to worthy causes.
“They look after the kids when they go there.
“It’s just a fabulous place, we don’t want a brewery.”
The King Carnival lessee has been on a series of short-term leases over the past three years, with its most recent lease to end in May.
In January it was reported that Busselton business Shelter Brewing Co. had been chosen to develop the site.
This news was met with anger and disappointment from some sections of the community.
Multiple petitions began circulating and the rally to save the Carnival was organised.
In a post to Facebook promoting the rally, King Carnival’s current lessee wrote: “Let’s unite and urge the council for a longer lease commitment.
“With an extended lease, we’re committed to making improvements.
“Navigating the challenges of a 3-6 month deal has made it difficult for us to invest substantially without the very real threat of permanent closure.
“Transforming it into a modern amusement park will enhance Mandurah’s appeal, ensuring continued economic growth.
“In a town with numerous hospitality options, we believe the focus should be on maintaining the vibrant entertainment provided by King Carnival, especially given the limited options for the younger generation.”
In January, Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams confirmed the council was “really excited” about the new development.
The contract between the City and the new tenant should be finalised and announced by April.
It’s been a case of out with the old and in with the new at Mandurah Foreshore in recent years.
Both the Western and Eastern sides of the estuary have been extensively upgraded since 2020, as part of the City’s Mandurah Waterfront Project.
