OPPOSITION leader Basil Zempilas and Guildford-based MLC Anthony Spagnolo have joined the Macri family in calling on the Cook government to fix a planning mess that now threatens the future of Macri’s Fruit Shed in Gidgegannup.

After spending almost two years and more than $30,000 on specialist reports, bushfire management plans and parking studies at the direction of the City of Swan, the family was told days before lodging its final application that the state government had changed the planning rules and removed the approval pathway they had been directed to pursue.

The change, introduced through Planning Scheme Amendment 231, has forced the family back to square one and left them facing significant additional costs.

Mr Spagnolo said the family had done everything asked of them.

“The Macri family followed the rules, followed the advice they were given and spent more than $30,000 pursuing the pathway they were directed to take,” Mr Spagnolo said.

“Then, just days before lodging their application, the Cook government changed the rules and pulled the rug out from under them,” he said.

“Two years of work and $30,000 worth of reports were effectively rendered worthless because the government failed to provide any transition arrangements.”

Mr Spagnolo said one of the alternatives now being suggested, rezoning the property, would cost well in excess of $100,000 and expose the family home to commercial rates.

“That is simply not a realistic option for a small family-run business that has served the local community for years,” he said.

“This was a ministerial decision and Minister Carey needs to explain why no transition pathway was put in place for businesses already working through the approvals process.”

Mr Zempilas said the case highlighted everything that frustrates small businesses dealing with government.

“What I saw was a family doing everything right and still being punished by the system,” he said.

“More than 3700 people have signed a petition supporting Macri’s Fruit Shed. The community has spoken clearly and the government should listen.

“This family is not asking for special treatment. They simply want a fair pathway to continue operating a business that is valued by the local community.”

Mr Spagnolo called on the state government to work with the City of Swan and the Macri family to establish a practical and affordable pathway that allows the business to remain open.

Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said the absurd comments from Mr Spagnolo show once again that the WA Liberals do not understand the planning system.

“I do not make decisions on individual development applications, with the administration of the scheme being the responsibility of the City of Swan, and I understand the city is working cooperatively with the business to offer support.”

As reported in Gidge family fruit business fights for survival (Echo News, April 17), the family said a two-year planning battle and costly rule changes had left the family business facing closure despite strong community support locally.

Tahlia Macri said the family was currently in the process of a new planning application with the City of Swan.

“While the road has never been without its hurdles, we are hopeful and determined to get this over the line, for our family, and for the Gidgegannup community we are so proud to serve,” she said.

“We have been fortunate to receive the outstanding support of Michael Clare from Forge Planners, who has generously given his time and expertise on a pro bono basis to help us navigate this process.

“Michael’s knowledge and dedication have been invaluable, and we cannot thank him enough for standing in our corner when it has mattered most. He truly deserves to be recognised for the work he is doing for a small, local business like ours.

“We firmly believe that this community needs a local fruit and vegetable shop just as much as we want to run one.

“The Gidgegannup community deserves access to fresh, locally available produce, and the sooner we can be operating at full capacity, the better it will be for everyone. That is what keeps us going through the challenges, and it is what we are fighting for.”

She said in the meantime, the family wanted to remind their wonderful community that they are still currently open and trading.

“We know that many locals have wondered whether we have closed our doors following recent media coverage of our situation, as it stands, our doors are still open. Your support during this time means more to our family than words can express.”