The Shire of Katanning council has voted to close the main building at Kupara Park, declaring it unfit for public use due to significant defects and safety concerns.
The decision comes after ongoing issues with unauthorised access and repeated break-ins which have contributed to the deterioration of the facility, and heightened concerns about community safety.
A recent inspection revealed a range of serious problems, including structural damage, unsecured entry points and the absence of basic safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and first aid provisions.
As a result, the council unanimously resolved the building poses an unacceptable risk to users and to shut off all access.
Kupara Park is a shire-owned facility traditionally used once a year by the Katanning Machinery Restoration Group for the Vintage Machinery Field Day. However a previous lease arrangement has expired and is no longer in place.
Despite the closure of the building, the oval and outdoor areas will remain available for community use, provided organisers follow the shire’s standard approval processes.
Access to the building itself will not be permitted.
Speaking at the council’s April meeting on April 21, Cr John Goodheart said the move was necessary to protect public safety.
“It’s a concern that we have a risky property out there that could cause injury or harm to our people,” he said.
“I think it’s very timely that we are in a position to firstly secure that building and make it so that people can’t go in there so that their safety is assured.”
Cr Danny McGrath said it was a matter of public safety.
“I strongly believe that in the interest of public safety that it does need to be sealed up,” he said.
The shire will now consider long-term options for the site, including decommissioning, demolition, replacement or any alternative options.
A future report is expected to outline potential costs and next steps.
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