Tender Process Questioned
The Joondalup Business Association has criticised Landcorp’s decision to
market lots in the newly developed Southern Business District by tender.
JBA President Russell Crook said the apparent intent of Landcorp was to ensure
the “right” type of business was established, however, this could preclude the
local business community from effectively having access to the process.
“The small business community of Joondalup is very close-knit and
Business owners who have invested in the future by establishing and
growing their existing business in the Business Park West and the CBD
feel they will be pushed out by larger corporations,” Mr Crook said.
“Over the years many businesses have left the district simply because
they outgrew the business park and had no alternative but to move to
larger premises in Wangara and Malaga.
“When plans to develop the Southern Business District were first proposed
there was an expectation, subsequently confirmed at a recent meeting with
Landcorp and Minister Allanah McTiernan, that there would be an opportunity
for business owners to be able to look at expanding without leaving
Joondalup,” Mr Crook said.
“We believe that the land should be available on the open market so that
local people can have the opportunity to invest in their community. The fairest
and most transparent method of sale is by auction and zoning will control the
final outcomes.
“The JBA has long supported the “Buy Local” ethos and this would assist
in ensuring that funds spent in the local district would stay here and
benefit everyone,” Mr Crook said.