Controversial crane: Mid West residents up in arms over forced removal of historic crane in Greenough

The future of a historic crane, seen by many as a local landmark, has reached the height of controversy, with the owner forced to remove it amid complaints it ruins the heritage feel of the area. Greenough residents are outraged at the decision and say they’re worried for their neighbour and crane owner Luke McColl, who must remove the iconic structure after complaints it did not align with the area’s rich heritage. The large crane on private property in Greenough, which is used to display a business advertising sign, is considered by many as a marker ending the long stretch between Dongara and Geraldton along Brand Highway. It is known to be the oldest crane in Greater Geraldton and was used in the construction of Town Towers, Geraldton Hotel and many other buildings in the Mid West. But due to recent complaints, the City of Greater Geraldton have made a mutual agreement with Mr McColl to remove the crane within eight months. Locals took to social media up in arms, with some posting that their children loved looking out for the crane during road trips as a symbol home wasn’t far away. But Greenough Museum and Gardens curator Gary Martin said that wasn’t a logical reason to keep the crane where it was and its placement was controversial from the start. He said there were other unique landmarks on the way towards Geraldton, including the leaning tree and Clinch’s Mill. “My feeling is it isn’t part of what’s supposed to be the Greenough heritage precinct and there are bylaws as to what you can and can’t do in this area,” Mr Martin said. “It’s not really appropriate. “It’s all about trying to preserve and maintain a really unique landscape and I think that’s what people don’t realise, just how special the landscape is.” Mr Martin acknowledged residents believed the crane should be kept as part of history but said a more appropriate location for the crane should be considered. “If people were serious about preserving our history it should not be left outside at Greenough where the salt and the sea breezes will do serious damage to the physical structure of the object,” he said. Mr McColl, who owns Midwest Turf Supplies, said it was frustrating to deal with and wanted to know why the crane, which had been standing in the same spot for two years, must be removed. “The crane should stay there; I’m happy for the sign to go but I think the crane should be there,” he said. “We bought rural land and when I bought it I thought we could run a business with no dramas, and five years into it we’re having dramas.” Greenough resident Peta Riley said the crane was supported by farmers and surrounding neighbours and it added to the historic landscape. “All of these pieces of machinery have a personality of their own and people are interested in them; you don’t have to go into a museum as such,” she said. “It’s nice to see that everyone has great memories of the crane.” Ms Riley said Mr McColl shouldn’t have to be dealing with this hassle. “This guy is running a business and has to deal with legal stuff because of a crane. A young family that’s new to the area shouldn’t have to deal with that,” she said. Ms Riley said the owner had always followed safety protocols and the crane was secured on concrete footings with new cabling and “the fall zone was well within the boundary”. “Even when cyclone Seroja was coming, they made sure the sign was taken down and when there’s a weather warning precautions are taken,” she said. The City of Greater Geraldton has approved the use of another sign to go in a similar place and allowed the business to be carried out on the property after multiple complaints. Mayor Shane Van Styn said the sign didn’t comply with signage and heritage policies and would need to be removed before June, while the crane would need to be removed in eight months. “It’s in the hands of the owners of the site; they have approval for compliance for a sign and approval to run their business. We thought this was the end of the matter, but obviously the community seem to think otherwise,” he said. “By mutual agreement, they’ve agreed the crane will eventually have to go because it doesn’t comply with Main Roads and our signage policy.” Mr Van Styn said properties in the Greenough heritage precinct were responsible for maintaining heritage values of the area and the city had issued notices and agreements to the owner.