PATIENCE on the part of producers and patrons of the Margaret River Farmers’ Market is required as a permanent home is sought for the community organisation.
Despite plans to move to the Margaret River education campus having been confirmed by market manager Katrina Lombardo in February, they have yet to be given the all-clear and contingency locations have had to be organised.
The delay is due to education campus board member Gary Evershed’s long service leave from his position as Augusta Margaret River Shire chief executive officer, but fortunately he was able to provide a possible interim solution before he went away.
From May 3 and for the foreseeable future, the Margaret River Farmers’ Market will be held at the Shire forecourt between the Shire building and the Cultural Centre.
“The decision [to move the markets to the education campus] has not yet been made due to Mr Evershed’s absence, meaning the board has not been able to meet to discuss the markets,” Ms Lombardo said.
“So fortunately the Shire forecourt will be home until further notice.”
She said it was bittersweet to see the markets moving after 12 years of operation and that they were looking forward to eventually having a permanent home.
Ms Lombardo said the immediate move was necessary as they were no longer able to meet the cost of renting the space at the Community Resource Centre on Tunbridge Street, which had also been restricted.
The CRC was also expecting the market would be elsewhere by May, and has planned other events for Saturday May 10.
The Shire forecourt will be able to hold a slightly larger number of stall holders than the CRC space, though parking will be limited and patrons are encouraged to walk.
Shire Infrastructure Services director Iliya Hastings said they working with the Margaret River Regional Producers Association to relocate the Farmers Markets to the Civic Centre Precinct until the end of May.
"Discussions are underway to finalise arrangements in regards to matters such as traffic movements, parking, pedestrian access, absolutions, power, water and site facilities after which it is expected that officers will issue a permit for the activity," Mr Hastings said.
