Historians disagreed over the heritage value of the Carousel Tavern in Cannington as its future came under consideration by Canning City Council.

Canning Districts Historical Society historian June Duncan argued the tavern should be preserved, describing it as a well-built structure from the period and noting its position near Albany Highway. She said the society had received two letters supporting its retention.

One submission described the tavern as a visual landmark and argued it should be retained, restored and reinstated as a building providing a service to the community. Another raised concern about proposed road works and changes around the site.

The Royal Western Australian Historical Society reached a different conclusion. It found that conservation principles did not support moving or preserving the building except as a last resort, and said the tavern had little historical significance.

The society also did not consider the Carousel Tavern to be in the category of buildings requiring retention. It noted that the original fabric had been altered over time and that the building's architectural integrity had been seriously eroded.

The cost of retaining the building was also considered too high. Canning council was told the tavern no longer supported retention because its original character had been changed and the proposed widening of Albany Highway affected its future.

The previous month, council had placed a preservation order on the building, a decision welcomed by local historians.