Locals fight to save Mandurah's King Carnival

Over 100 people are set to rally on Tuesday in a bid to save Mandurah's iconic King Carnival.

The future of the carnival remains uncertain with the lease to end in May.

In early 2022, the City of Mandurah invited proposals for use of the waterfront site up to a 21 year lease after a history of short-term lease extensions to King Carnival.

It is understood the Council have selected their preferred proponent, reported to be a brewery. 

King Carnival owner David Miller has always maintained if he received a long-term lease then he would invest in transforming it into a modern amusement park.

Rally organiser Terry Johnson said the Council are not listening to what the community wants.

"If you talk to the people...it's probably about 80 or 90 per cent that want to keep the fair," he said.

"We've lost so much in Mandurah, we've lost the roller skating rink, we've lost ten-pin bowling, we had the castle fun park, the bird park in Riverside Gardens, there's not much left."

Mr Johnson said if the Council gave Mr Miller a longer lease, then the carnival could be revamped.

"They're (Council) saying spend some money on it and he's saying well give me a lease and I will," he said.

"He's got $3 million sitting there waiting, he's got all of these great plans for King Carnival, but he can't do his plans to upgrade it." 

The rally will start at King Carnival on the Western Foreshore on Tuesday, February 27 at 4pm.

The peaceful march will continue across the bridge via the walkway to the rotunda on Mandurah Terrace and ending at the Council chambers at 5.15pm, prior to the council meeting.

"Let's unite and urge the council for a longer lease commitment. With an extended lease, we're committed to making improvements," a King Carnival Facebook post read.

"Navigating the challenges of a 3-6 month deal has made it difficult for us to invest substantially without the very real threat of permanent closure.

"In a town with numerous hospitality options, we believe the focus should be on maintaining the vibrant entertainment provided by King Carnival, especially given the limited options for the younger generation."

A petition is also available here.