This article was originally published on 5 March, 2025. Star Weekly is sharing it again for you to enjoy.
Wyndham Council may intervene to prevent the demolition of Little Growling Café in Tarneit.
At a council meeting on Tuesday, February 25, councillor Josh Gilligan proposed that council explore rezoning the site at 180 Davis Road with the intent of preserving its commercial features.
He called for a report that would include a valuation of the site, its potential acquisition and authorise the CEO to engage in discussions with Frasers Property Australia, the current owner of the location.
Cr Gilligan referred to a community petition in 2024 which garnered hundreds of signatures calling for intervention to save the site in Tarneit West.
“[Having the cafe] means the opportunity to have a place to go and socialise– this is something worth saving,” he said.
“These are all these estates have in Tarneit other than rows of housing.
“Tarneit West is in desperate need of more options than just housing.”
Supporting the motion, councillor Preet Singh said it was important that Tarneit and neighbouring Truganina are “not just a city of houses.”
“More shopping and commercial sites are needed in the area,” he said.
Cr Robert Szatkowski, in whose ward the cafe is located, said while he supported the idea in principle, several aspects concerned him.
Cr Szatkowski said the notice of motion should have been conducted in two parts, a public meeting and a confidential one, to avoid the council being priced out.
“It may make it beyond our scope – we might be pushed out of affording it,” he said.
Speaking against the motion, councillor Jennie Barrera said she would not support intervention action and that it was “not our job.”
“I think it was built for the purpose of selling houses.”
Councillor Jasmine Hill also objected saying “It is well intended, but premature and financially unsound.”
In reply Cr Gilligan addressed the suggestion council should not play an intervening role, saying that it is reasonable to do so for broader social purposes.
“Because if we don’t, who will – we may as well pack up and go home,” he said.
The motion was carried 9-2. The report is due by October.
