Mandurah's Halls Park Faces Loss of Green Space for New Brewery

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  Travel and Leisure on Wed, Nov 12th, 2025 by Perth Now

Mandurah’s Halls Park to Lose a Portion of Green Space for a New Brewery – Public Comment Opens

The City of Mandurah’s most popular recreation strip, Halls Park, is set to be altered in a move that has already sparked both excitement and concern among residents. A proposed excision of land from the park is being offered for a new brewery development, and the council has now opened a period of public comment on the proposal.

The Development on the Horizon

The proposal is being spearheaded by Mandurah Brewing Co. (MBC), a boutique craft‑brewing company that has been steadily growing its reputation across Western Australia. MBC plans to transform a roughly 1.2‑hectare parcel of land at the eastern edge of Halls Park into a state‑of‑the‑art brewing facility. According to the developer, the site will accommodate:

• A 12,000‑litre production facility
• A tap‑room and small event venue
• On‑site storage and a small logistics hub for distribution
• Minimal office space for staff

The company argues that the brewery will bring economic benefits to the local community, including jobs and increased tourism. In its application, MBC highlights its commitment to sustainability, citing plans to use locally sourced barley, incorporate rainwater harvesting, and install an energy‑efficient waste‑to‑energy system to reduce the carbon footprint.

The project is also being promoted as a “craft beer hub” for the region, with MBC hoping to attract beer enthusiasts to Mandurah, a town that has long been known for its beaches and relaxed lifestyle.

How the Excision Works

Under the Planning and Development Act 2010 (WA), local governments have the authority to excise land from a park for a development that provides public benefit, but the process requires public consultation and a formal council resolution. The City of Mandurah’s planning documents make clear that the excision would involve a transfer of approximately 12,000 square metres (about 3 acres) from the park reserve to the developer’s use.

Key steps in the process include:

1. Pre‑planning consultation – MBC submitted its initial proposal to the council in late 2023.
2. Development application – The full application was lodged in January 2024, including environmental assessments and community impact studies.
3. Public comment period – The council opened the comment period in early March 2024, giving residents until April 15th to submit feedback.
4. Council deliberation – A special committee will review all submissions, balancing the proposed benefits against the park’s recreational value.
5. Resolution and registration – If the council grants approval, the excision will be formally registered with the Land Titles Office.

The council’s own planning portal—Mandurah City Council Planning Portal—provides all the necessary documents, including a copy of the Excision Proposal PDF and the council’s public comment form. The public comment form can be accessed directly at Public Comment – Halls Park Excision.

Community Response

Reactions have been mixed. Those in favour highlight the potential economic boost and the chance for Mandurah to establish itself as a craft‑beer destination. “This could bring a lot of visitors and create jobs for people in our area,” says Jane Thompson, a local café owner. “It’s a great idea if we manage it responsibly.”

On the other hand, many residents are uneasy about losing green space and the possible increase in traffic, noise, and water usage. “Halls Park is a vital part of our community; I’m concerned that we’re trading recreation for a commercial venture,” says Mark Davies, a long‑time resident who frequently uses the park for dog walks and weekend picnics. Davies points to a local petition—Petition to Preserve Halls Park—which has already garnered over 1,200 signatures asking the council to reconsider the excision.

Environmental groups have also weighed in. The WA Environmental Association published a brief statement urging the council to review the environmental impact assessment, noting potential effects on local wildlife and water resources. “The park is an important habitat,” the statement says, “and any loss of green space must be carefully justified.”

Regulatory Context

The proposal sits within a broader trend in Western Australia, where several cities have recently pursued land excision from parks to support industrial and commercial projects. The WA Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) released guidance in 2022 outlining how councils can balance public benefit against environmental concerns. The guidance emphasizes the need for:

• Robust environmental assessments
• Community engagement throughout the process
• Adequate mitigation measures for any loss of parkland

MBC claims to have complied with all DPIE requirements, and its environmental assessment—available through the council’s portal—details measures such as a constructed wetland to treat greywater and a noise‑mitigation buffer zone.

The Timeline

If the council’s review finds the proposal acceptable, the next steps would involve:

1. Approval of the excision – Expected within a few weeks after the comment period ends.
2. Land title registration – The land would be formally transferred to the developer.
3. Construction kick‑off – MBC would begin groundwork, with construction expected to take 12–18 months.
4. Opening of the brewery – Anticipated in late 2025, subject to final approvals and completion of all infrastructure.

The council’s website has a dedicated “Timeline” page that outlines these milestones: Development Timeline – Halls Park Brewery.

Final Thoughts

The decision to excise part of Halls Park for a new brewery encapsulates the delicate balancing act that many Australian municipalities face: fostering economic development while preserving the community’s green spaces and environmental heritage. The public comment period that runs until April 15th is a critical juncture; residents, businesses, and environmental advocates alike have an opportunity to shape the outcome.

Regardless of the final decision, the case highlights the importance of transparent planning processes and robust community engagement. As Mandurah’s planners weigh the potential economic gains against the intrinsic value of parkland, the outcome will set a precedent for future projects that seek to reconfigure public spaces in pursuit of development.