Puma2Go representatives are calling on Dunsborough residents and visitors to make a pledge to boycott a Puma petrol station if the development gets approval from the State Administrative Tribunal.
An application to approve a third petrol station in Dunsborough’s town centre wound up at SAT last week with a decision pending within 90 days.
The developers DCSC Pty Ltd and Puma Energy went back to SAT last week to seek approval for a 24-hour convenience store, which sparked outrage in the community and a campaign against it called Puma2Go.
The proposal before SAT is for an application for a convenience store, rather than a service station - only the convenience store plan happens to feature a six-bay petrol station.
The development application was rejected twice by the Southern Joint Development Assessment Panel.
Puma Energy Australia general manager Ray Taylor told the Mail last year that the owners of the site DCSC Pty Ltd applied for a convenience store with fuel to be located on the site, which was a permitted use under the legislation.
Puma2Go representative Tony Sharp said it appeared likely Puma Energy would be given approval to develop a 24-hour convenience store and petrol outlet.
Mr Sharp said in nine months there could be three petrol stations within 300 metres on Dunn Bay Road and the long term town plan would be in tatters.
“The Dunsborough community and their friends have come together, united and galvanized against the Puma development with 4000 petition signatures and two community rallies with more than 700 attendees at each,” he said.
“However, the facts of increased traffic data and strong community opposition were not given due consideration they were due under planning law in the SAT proceedings and have been completely ignored by both DCSC and Puma Energy.”
Mr Sharp said to convince Puma Energy to listen to the community and cease their plans, it was time for people to show they have the power and take the pledge.
“We ask Dunsborough residents and visitors to make a commitment and pledge to boycott Puma Dunsborough for a period of at least two years, despite the likelihood they will initially be offered cheaper fuel,” he said.
“Up until now our community has felt powerless and at the will of the City of Busselton, DCSC, Puma Energy, JDAP and the SAT. It must now use its power-no shopping-no Puma.”
City of Busselton director of planning and development services Paul Needham said the City would await a SAT decision, and consider what, if any, future action may be appropriate.