The City of Canning has officially rejected a controversial development application by the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang to transform their local clubhouse into a so-called 'motorcycle-themed men's shed'. The decision was made unanimously by councillors during a meeting last week, following intense public scrutiny and community backlash.
Background of the Application
The Bandidos Perth Chapter lodged the development application with the City of Canning in late February, seeking retrospective approval for their clubhouse located on Kembla Way in Willetton. The application came after a police raid in May of the previous year, which brought the premises to the attention of local authorities. The club had been operating without proper planning approval, prompting the council to issue a directions notice and a building order regarding land use and a sea-container on the property.
Community and Council Response
Canning Mayor Patrick Hall, a former police officer, had previously voiced strong objections to the gang's application. At the council meeting, he disclosed an impartiality interest due to his past public comments about the Bandidos, but urged councillors to support the officer's recommendation to refuse the application. The council received 67 public submissions, with 64 objecting to the proposal. Mayor Hall stated that the officer's recommendation appropriately considered the impact on residential amenity and aligned with community views.
Councillor Michelle Hurn expressed concerns about managing the behaviour of up to 100 patrons, particularly with alcohol involved, calling it 'unrealistic'. She noted that there was no genuine commitment to manage noise once the application was approved, placing the burden on residents and council officers.
Details of the Proposal
The Bandidos' application, prepared by Planning Outcomes WA, sought approval for the clubhouse to host up to 60 members or family, with occasional events for up to 100 guests. The premises would not be open to the public. Proposed operating hours included Monday to Friday from 8am to 10pm for deliveries and setup, and weekends from 5.30pm Friday to 6pm Sunday. The club indicated plans for a BYO bar and future liquor licence application, and explicitly stated that no firearms would be kept on site.
In their application, the Bandidos argued that the club was a 'body of persons united by a common interest of motorcycles' and that the mere existence of the club was not illegal. They cited international human rights treaties regarding freedom of association and expressed willingness to meet with neighbours to discuss concerns.
Police Incidents and Legal Context
The Bandidos have been under scrutiny following a dangerous police pursuit on the Kwinana Freeway earlier this year, which led to 18 members being charged and their bikes seized. The club is an identified organisation under Western Australian criminal law. Despite this, their planning application maintained that the club premises clearly met the land-use definition of 'club premises' under local planning regulations.
Mayor Hall called on the State Government to intervene and update planning laws, arguing that the current definition of club premises needed urgent review. He stated, 'We can't do this by ourselves. We need a full-court press. We are standing up against a national, if not international crime gang. If the planning application complies with the current laws, it is likely to pass.' He emphasised that Western Australia claims to have the toughest anti-consorting laws, yet such activities could continue behind closed doors if laws are not tightened.
Conclusion
The council's unanimous rejection of the Bandidos' application marks a significant victory for the local community and council officials who opposed the club's presence. The decision underscores the challenges local governments face in balancing planning regulations with community safety concerns, and highlights ongoing tensions between outlaw motorcycle gangs and authorities in Western Australia.
