Batavia Motor Inne demolition paused for weeks with no answers as to when work will resume at Geraldton site

The demolition of the Batavia Motor Inne has been stopped for more than five weeks, with the owners and contractors not forthcoming about when work will resume. The community was in disbelief when contractor Bunhu Mining Marine Civils and Construction started the long-awaited demolition project, tearing down a three-storey building on September 25. Just over a week of work saw two of the main buildings turned to rubble, but there is yet to be any more work done to the site. Managing director Terry Danda previously told the Geraldton Guardian the work would take several weeks. But following a frenetic start to the demolition, the work was paused later that week and is yet to restart more than five weeks later. The sole digger was removed from the site for servicing on October 12, but has not returned. It was also reported the construction was in need of water supply to keep dust and asbestos at bay before work could continue. Last week, Mr Danda told the Geraldton Guardian he was overseas and any further contact would need to be made to co-owner and property developer Joe Scaffidi, who is the husband of former City of Perth lord mayor Lisa Scaffidi. Mr Danda would not comment on when the demolition would restart. Mr Scaffidi, who is hesitant to provide any updates but was seen onsite during the first week of demolition, was contacted for comment. A neighbour to the site and former City of Greater Geraldton mayor Shane Van Styn said he had not seen any action onsite since the digger left last month. “I’ve seen one guy in high-vis, and that’s it. Usually I’ll try and have a chat with the workers to see where it’s at but there hasn’t been anyone there to talk to,” he said. “After initial exuberance at seeing it come down, it is a sinking feeling to see them grind to an absolute halt with no signs of anybody onsite.” City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said he had not received any updates as to the progress on the site, and the city had not received any applications for development. “We’d love to see something come through. It’s a strategic spot and an ideal place for any development with the zoning that block has,” he said. The derelict motel on Fitzgerald Street sat idle for years, attracting rough sleepers, itinerants, antisocial behaviour and criminal activity.