WHAT ABOUT THE PASSENGER BRIDGE, TREASURER?

I forgot to mention, in my comment about the announcement by Treasurer Rita Safiotti of a $ 40 million up grade at B Shed and the Fremantle Ports Passenger Terminal, that the Deputy Premier failed to mention that the important pedestrian bridge to Beach Street, that the Public Transport Authority closed two years ago, will be replaced, or a new street-level crossing will be created instead. Why not, Treasurer?

Is the Cook Government really going to spend all that money to be able to cater for even larger cruise ships without thinking about the accessibility to the Freo CBD for passengers and crews? It’s pathetic!

Roel Loopers

THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING ON IN FREMANTLE PORT

While waiting for Deputy Premier Rita Safiotti to arrive at B Shed yesterday, I took some photos of the activities in our working port.

I had not seen a paddle boarder there before, so that was a new one, and great to see the kids high up in the mast of the STS Leeuwin II. It’s the largest sail-training ship in Australia.

There is always something to discover in Freo!

Roel Loopers

VICTORIA QUAY MASTERPLAN NEEDED!

What use is the Future of Fremantle Committee, and the five-day community consultation sessions they held last year, when the State Government makes ad hoc decisions about the future of Victoria Quay?

Whilst I welcome any government investment in Fremantle, I find the announcement by Treasurer and Deputy Premier Rita Safiotti, of $40.5 million worth of upgrades along Victoria Quay quite bewildering.

The Future of Fremantle Committee released some ideas of what could happen if the port moves to Kwinana, but there is not yet a proper Masterplan for Victoria Quay, so the upgrades of the Passenger Terminal and B Shed, announced on Saturday morning, are premature.

During the week-long community consultation in the Maritime Museum last year a lot of new ideas were expressed by stakeholders and Fremantle residents. I attended the sessions for two days. There were many suggestions to move the Passenger Terminal further west, for better connection with the Fremantle CBD and train station. Such a move would also allow for a pedestrian and cycle bridge to be built to North Quay, east of the new Passenger Terminal, and not interfere with the cruise ships.

But the Cook Government is happy to just ignore all that and do piecemeal development at Victoria Quay, presumably because there is a state election next year. That is not proper city planning. It makes no sense. A state-of-the-art passenger terminal near C shed, for both cruise ships and Rottnest Island ferries would have been a much better and more significant improvement to VQ.

Roel Loopers

$ 40 MILLION FOR VICTORIA QUAY UPGRADES

Deputy Premier Rita Safiotti announced in B shed this morning that the WA Government will invest an additional $40.5 million in the next stage of activation of Fremantle’s Victoria Quay precinct, including improvements to historic B Shed and cruise ship infrastructure at Fremantle Passenger Terminal.

As part of the 2024-25 State Budget, $5 million will be committed to preparatory works for B Shed to be utilised as a new Rottnest Island ferry terminal, visitor experience, hospitality and event space.

An additional $35.5 million has been allocated for improvement works further along Victoria Quay, including essential deck repairs and major fender upgrades at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal.

The upgrades to Berths F and G, which service the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, will allow the passenger terminal to continue to service the cruise industry and cater for the larger visiting ships.

B Shed is currently vacant, due to repair works to the building’s substructure and flooring.  These works are scheduled for completion in 2025, after which new building services and the first stage of an internal fit-out can begin.

These works will pave the way for the planned redevelopment within B Shed of booking and luggage facilities for Rottnest Island ferry operators, who have been operating from temporary premises nearby since late 2022.

The new facilities will provide the ferry companies and their customers, as well as visitors to B Shed itself, with a redesigned layout, more space and an overall improved visitor experience.

It is planned that B Shed will, in time, be a multi-purpose facility that complements the recent redevelopment of A Shed and the progressive redevelopment of the entire precinct as a mixed-use recreational and commercial zone.

Roel Loopers

DEVASTATING SHOT-HOLE BORERS IN FREMANTLE

The Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer has been identified in Fremantle, so please keep an eye on the trees in your neighbourhood. If you suspect they are in trees near you, report it to Fremantle Council and the WA Agriculture Department.

The shot-hole borer is in many trees in Hyde Park in Perth, so many of the mature trees there will have to be removed, or massive branches removed, trying to save them. That is devastating.

Fremantle has a low tree canopy, so we can’t afford to lose any of them.

Roel Loopers

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FREMANTLE OVAL PLANS

The Fremantle Chamber of Commerce has sent their submission about the Fremantle Oval masterplan to the CoF. I redacted it a tiny bit because it is a bit long for this blog.

With over 125 years of history, it is important that this once-in-a-lifetime project is planned and executed meticulously for the future of Fremantle. This oval exists on a phenomenal landscape and brings extensive opportunities to reconnect the precinct and a sense of place for our Fremantle businesses and people.

This redevelopment can only be positive for future generations living, working and staying in Fremantle. There is opportunity everywhere within the proposed masterplan. It’s going to be a magnet to draw new activities and a catalyst for considerable investment.

The Chamber is glad to see that this transformational development first and foremost gives the space back to the community and significantly improves the amenity. The vision shows the oval can represent both the slow relaxed chill-freo-vibe, plus the complete opposite, the exciting pace, that you can both expect from our unique Port city.

It is prudent for us at The Chamber to make sure we are ambitious with considerations, as these will provide invaluable return on investment for our businesses and visitors alike. The need for excellent community facilities is being taken into account; however, there are other key opportunities that The Chamber would like to ensure the City of Fremantle explores, given the lasting impacts of this project.

Items of important consideration below:

• ●  Accommodation
• ●  Childcare facilities
• ●  Conference space/auditorium
• ●  Corporate suites for games/concerts
• ●  Extra change rooms for multiple sporting events in one day
• ●  Modern facilities catering for female & all-abilities sport
• ●  A playing arena where different types of sports and shows can be accommodated
• ●  Full backstage or ‘back of house’ facilities to accommodate world class acts/performers
• ●  Pre-set staging/concert infrastructure
• ●  All accessibility playground
• The critically important need for urgent accommodation to ease the housing crisis must go hand-in-hand with this redevelopment. This covering, rent to buy development, space for additional housing and student accommodation. As we look to add density into Fremantle, it is vital to remember density requires activity and top amenities. The design must seamlessly integrate the surrounding areas and show it will be a precinct for all.

After reviewing the WACA oval redevelopment plans, you can see they are aiming to have the most inclusive ground in the world. They are reimagining how the community and visitors can interact with an oval space in future generations. Let’s align with their vision, as this will enable Western Australia to compete on the global stage for sporting and music events.

For example, the WACA development plans show a tunnel underneath, allowing for ease of bump in and bump out of large event infrastructure without huge impact on the surrounding roads or businesses. Have you had discussions with the likes of Perth Festival and Fringe Festival for the potential to bump in large spiegel tents?

The Chamber needs to reiterate that the build-phase impact to businesses needs to be heavily mitigated. Plus meeting project deadlines and budget must be meticulously adhered to.

Most importantly, case studies from other oval developments also need to be deeply taken into consideration. There are key learnings to be taken from the Claremont Oval redevelopment and most importantly the East Fremantle Oval redevelopment, given key design elements have now hamstrung the East Fremantle Football Club in many ways.

HAVE FUN AT THE HARBOUR MASTER CLASSIC RUN

Crab your registration for the 4th Fremantle Ports Harbour Master Classic fun run!

Challenge yourself in the 5km or 10km event or get a team together – why not dress up! Spot prizes will be awarded, including best nautical costume. Prams are welcome and there’s a kids’ dash too!

And that’s not all, be in the first 500 to register and receive a FREE event T-shirt, plus, all 5km and 10km finishers will receive a new look medal.

Register now https://www.wamc.org.au/…/fremantle-ports…/register

Online registrations close Sunday 5 May 2024 @7:30 AM unless sold out prior.

OUR SHAMEFUL HOUSING CRISIS

A talk with my neighbour Richard this morning about the housing crisis and homelessness, and the call by the Property Council for tax and other incentives for developers, makes me question what on earth is going on with our Federal and State governments. When will they finally realise that there is a housing and rental crisis, and that we are not making any inroads with the shortage of homes. The contrary. It is getting worse!

The WA Government’s urban infill target for metropolitan Perth are not anywhere near the 47 per cent. They are around the 20 per cent only, meaning that there will be a shortage of some 25,000 homes by 2027. That will see more people forced onto the streets, more homeless people, more people with mental health issues. It is disgraceful!

Media releases are sent out and social media posts on Facebook proudly proclaim that the Cook government has built 15 or 25 more social houses. Big bloody deal! What is a handful of new homes when we need thousands of them, and in a rush. It should be the absolute priority for our governments!

Here in Fremantle we have had very little urban infill in the city centre. The Heirloom and Liv apartments at Queen Victoria Street were completed years ago and the Little Lane residential development next to Target in Adelaide Street is also fully occupied.

There is only one major residential development with planning approval in the centre of Fremantle. That is the 250-apartment project by Sirona Urban on the Point Street carpark site. It will make a significant difference to the CBD when some 500 people move in there, but it is years from completion, even if the developers hope to start construction late this year.

There is a lack of choice of housing for people who want to downsize, or who don’t want to live in an apartment, as there is not enough diversity, so there are not many options, such as small to medium townhouses, tiny granny flats, etc.

Rows of tiny dwellings would be fantastic for retired people, and so would shared kitchens, laundries and community spaces. The housing crisis demands creative, out of the box, thinking by our governments, planners, developers and architects. The world has changed, but our leaders appear incapable of accepting that and dealing with it accordingly.

The extremely high number of homeless people shows the incompetence of our governments and their inability to pro-actively plan for the future. It is shameful!

Roel Loopers

THE AGE OF DISCONNECTION

This is my slightly altered Roel’s Round weekly column in the Fremantle Herald this weekend. Please advertise in our Freo Cook! We need our one and only local community newspaper!

Here is my ‘rant’:

The recent terrible events in Sydney should be a wake up call for our entire nation, that our current status quo is no longer working. We have created a society of disconnect. Disconnect that is resulting in violence, hatred and murder.

It is somehow irrelevant if people kill because of terrorism or mental health issues, because all of them are perpetrated by people who are disconnected from society and their communities.

We are proud that Australia is a multicultural society, but at the same time there are still many who insist we are a Christian country. We have people who claim not to be racists, but who don’t like Aborigines, coloured people, Muslims, etc. For them there is something wrong with anyone who is different from the norm they set for themselves. Our lack of tolerance is as disappointing as it is worrying.

Nationalism and tribalism are running riot. We believe in an urban myth and claim to be the best country in the world, where everyone gets a fair go, because we are oh so tolerant. That is ignorant nonsense. There is a lot of religious, racial, political, gender, and social intolerance in our country, and there is an unacceptable and unexplainable high degree of domestic violence.

Tribalism starts early in life, when people join a sports team. That supposedly also means one has to hate every other team in the competition. If you are a Fremantle Dockers fan, you have to hate the West Coast Eagles, and all other clubs and their supporters. How more silly can it get? It is only sport, not war, FFS! It moves on to politics from there, so we hate all those on the other side(s) of politics and accuse them of being biased. Like in religion, my leader, my God, is better than yours, so we argue, fight, stop listening, and close our minds and hearts. That too creates isolation.

After thousands of years we still engage in religious wars. What is happening in Gaza is a war between Christians and Muslims. The initial murders and kidnapping at a music festival by Hamas terrorists, resulted in even more devastating violence by Israel. Those who condemn that and support Palestinians are dismissed as being antisemitic.

We hate, judge, dismiss and ignore. Those whom we consider not to be normal, whatever that means, are treated with contempt. Ask the homeless, vagrants, dark coloured, gays, lesbians and trans people, and those with mental health issues, how people look down on them. We do not connect well, or not at all, with those who are different, hence they feel rejected and very isolated. That creates resentment and anger, that sadly sometimes escalates in violence and murder.

The main media is obsessed with reporting negative stories, and whilst social media gives us a great opportunity to connect, it has created more divisiveness, because there is a mass spreading of disinformation, conspiracy and nastiness, together with live streaming of murder and violence, as did happen during the Bondi Junction stabbings. We are constantly confronted with misery, but rarely do we get positive stories reported in the media. That makes vulnerable people even more apprehensive about life.

The feeling of isolation and disconnect from the community also applies to young people and seniors. There is an huge sense of loneliness in our society, hence we hear of tiny children committing suicide, but many grown up men also no longer see a future.

We can not expect our governments to do it all for us. It is up to all of us, each and everyone of us, to reach out and connect to those who are different, or just bloody lonely. We need to learn to understand and accept our differences better. It should not matter at all in which one of the mythical Gods one wants to believe. What does matter is that we take responsibility for our own actions and attitude, and care about others. Connecting with everyone in our communities will result in a much safer and more coherent society, a society where we show respect and tolerance for others.

Roel Loopers

FREMANTLE ANZAC DAY PARADE

Good to see so many people coming to watch the ANZAC Day parade in Fremantle this morning. Lots of families. The cafes were packed full before the 10.15am start of the parade, so good for business as well.

Great also to see schools participating in the parade. Well done, kids!

Roel Loopers

Click on photos to enlarge and feel free to share them on social media!

STICK MEN AT THE WARDERS HOTEL SITE

On my way home from food shopping at Freo’s FOMO IGA I noticed these construction workers at the Warders Hotel development on the corner of William and Parry street.

The afternoon light was just right, so I took a few quick snaps.

Roel Loopers

FREMANTLE TRAFFIC BRIDGE DECISION ON MAY 2

The development application for the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge will come before the Western Australian Planning Commission on May 2.

Roel Loopers

FREMANTLE PORTS’ MIGHTY TUGS

It is always fantastic to see the mighty small tugs working in Fremantle Ports. As was the case this morning when three tugs assisted the 335-metre-long containership Conti Annapurna with her departure.

Roel Loopers

ANZAC DAY IN FREMANTLE

The ANZAC DAY dawn service is as usual on Monument Hill tomorrow morning, with a service also held in North Fremantle at 9am.

The traditional Fremantle ANZAC Day parade will start at 10.15am from Pioneer Park, along Market Street, South Terrace, Henderson Street, William Street, and ends at Walyalup Koort.

The weather forecast for tomorrow is fine with the temperature in the mid 20s, so come along.

Roel Loopers

NEW FREMANTLE HISTORY CENTRE NOW OPEN

The Fremantle History Centre has been relocated to the ground floor of the Walyalup Civic Centre and is now open to the public as a dedicated space for history research and events.

The Centre is open to the public on weekdays from 9am to 1pm and by appointment on those days from 1pm to 4pm.

Nine hundred boxes of photographs, reports, oral histories, maps and books have been brought out of storage and are now housed in the new history library.

The fit out included new shelving, research desks, a scanning and copying station and display areas.

The Centre operates on a request basis, with customers able to submit their enquiries in person or via an online form.

Afternoons are dedicated to the digitisation of the collection by volunteers from the Friends of the Fremantle History Centre group. Residents from local history interest groups are also trained to contribute to the City’s collection by writing topical histories, taking photos, and conducting oral history interviews.

To browse the list of resources or make an information request visit fremantle.wa.gov.au/fremantle-history-centre

Roel Loopers

WARDERS HOTEL RISING UP

The four-storey addition to the Warders Hotel, behind the former Courthouse and Police station, is progressing very well.

Great to see a new hotel being built in the Fremantle inner city. It is another project by our local developers Silverleaf Investments.

Roel Loopers

EQUALITY AT EDUCATION DEBATE

Some people commented on the inequality of the Politics in the Pub panel, that only had four men on it, but alas, a woman has been added to the panel.

The PIP will be debating Inequality in Education on April 30 from 7pm at The Local Hotel in South Fremantle.

The monthly community debate is a free event, but make sure to buy drinks and food to support The Local that donates the venue!

Roel Loopers

FREO’S BRIGHT NIGHTS MIRACLE

Miracles do happen, even in the much criticised City of Fremantle. As I am writing this, new street lights are being installed around Walyalup Koort.

It will make our civic square so might brighter and will make it feel a lot safer as well.

The lights are estimated to light up by mid May, so not long to go.

Roel Loopers

WALYALUP ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE IS TEN!

The Fremantle City’s Walyalup Aboriginal Cutural Centre on Arthur’s Head/Manjaree is ten years old in May. The anniversary will be celebrated on May 10 and all are welcome to join.

It will run from 10am to 2pm at 12 Captain’s Lane, which is just three Pilot’s cottages away from the Roundhouse.

Roel Loopers

CONNECT WITH HOMELESS PEOPLE TODAY

Join us at Walyalup Koort, Fremantle today between 10–11.30am, for our ‘Couch Conversations’ event which will include elements of Truth Telling.

The City of Fremantle and St. Patrick’s Community Support Centre are providing a forum for one-on-one discussions about homelessness in our community, which will include members of the St Pat’s Djenabidet Kalleep team.

Couch Conversations is a chance for you to listen, learn and put your questions to people with living, or lived, experience of homelessness.

This is a FREE event with refreshments provided.

INEQUALITY IN EDUCATION PUB DEBATE

Inequality in Education is the topic for next week’s Politics in the Pub event in The Local Hotel.

It is on Tuesday April 30 and starts at 7pm.

Roel Loopers

COLOURS OF THE FISHING BOAT HARBOUR

A nice cool Monday morning with a cooler week ahead of us, so enjoy the short ANZAC Day week.

I took the above photos of the Fishing Boat Harbour and the sailing regatta on the Indian Ocean on the weekend.

Roel Loopers

OLIVE HARVEST IN BOOYEEMBARA PARK

The White Gum Valley Community Orchard held their annual olive harvest in Booyeembara Park on Sunday. It is always a relaxed community event for young and old, and a few dogs.

Roel Loopers

MR PERFECT BBQ ON TODAY!

The Mr Perfect BBQ event will continue on South Beach today, April. 21 from 11.30am. Thanks to Sean Hefferon who took the initiative to get the Fremantle chapter of Mr Perfect up and running some time ago.

Fremantle Councillor Fedele Camarda said “In attending the Mr Perfect BBQs, I have seen first hand how valuable this time is for those that attend. We will continue to hold the BBQs on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Thanks to those who continue to support us.

This is a great way for men to connect, talk about things that matter to them, and feel connected to the community. Loneliness, isolation and depression are very common, so connecting with others can be of great help.

Roel Loopers

WHAT TO DO WITH THE SOUTH MOLE?

Fremantle Ports has closed the South Mole for several weeks now, to prevent backpackers from camping there. Although many people complained about the campervans, closing the popular mole is not to everybody’s liking either. Those who go fishing on the mole don’t want to walk to their favourite spot, and many people just come to sit in their car and watch the port activities and Indian Ocean. So what is the solution?

Putting signs up that camping is prohibited won’t solve the problem. It would mean also having expensive night time parking inspectors, who would have to tell campers that they have to move. That is not going to be a pleasant and safe job. Fining them would probably make little difference, as especially overseas drivers tend not to pay parking fines, as it is hard to enforce payment when they are back at home in a foreign country.

Closing the mole to vehicles would give Fremantle Ports options to beautify the area and put seats there, so that one can relax, have a picnic, and enjoy the working port and wild ocean. That is an inconvenience to anglers, disabled and old people, and Notre Dame uni and TAFE students who like to park on the mole.

Whatever Fremantle Ports decide to do will receive criticism from some and will be appreciated by others. It’s a difficult problem to solve.

Roel Loopers

DA RAW A REAL FREO HIDDEN GEM

We often talk about Fremantle’s many hidden treasures, but the DA RAW cafe and gallery in Henry Street is that most definitely.

Hidden away through a covered lane is the converted warehouse, that looks like nothing one has seen before. It has a feeling of magic and wonder about it.

It is opposite the Lance Holt school, so go have a look at the art owner Dave creates, have a coffee and something to eat and enjoy the wonderful tranquility, away from the street noise. It is truly delightful.

Wonderful also was the espresso I had yesterday, served in a stunning glass, that looked like a straight small glass in a bigger round glass. It’s the best looking espresso I had all my life.

Roel Loopers

MANJAREE INDIGENOUS ART COMPETITION

Fremantle Ports has announced the inaugural Fremantle Ports Manjaree Indigenous Art Competition. 
Indigenous artists are encouraged to enter in either of two categories – Open and Youth (under 18), with youth artists able to submit in both categories. 
New artworks as well as pieces completed since 1 January 2020 are eligible for entry and multiple entries by the same artist are welcomed. Entries close 5pm 26 June 2024.
The winning artists in each category will receive a prize of $3000 and runners up awarded $1500.   
Fremantle Ports Manager Communications and Community Neil Stanbury said the port was excited to be able to once again support the arts and showcase the wealth of talent among Australia’s Indigenous artists.
“The competition will culminate in NAIDOC Week in July, when all entries will be projected by laser on Fremantle Ports’ iconic Administration Building on Victoria Quay, the tallest building in Fremantle.” Mr Stanbury said.
Artists with queries can ring Fremantle Ports on 08 9430 3555 or email communityandcorporaterelations@fremantleports.com.au. 

Full details and conditions of entry can be found at www.fremantleports.com.au

Roel Loopers

VERGE GARDENS CONNECT COMMUNITIES

The City of Fremantle has new information for residents who are keen to convert their front verges into gardens.

The City has developed new guidelines and will host more events and workshops to make it as easy as possible for landowners to create and maintain a verge garden. There are so many social, environmental and economic benefits to creating a verge garden.

Verge gardens can also include seats or benches, swings and play equipment, community libraries, toy libraries, even edible gardens with herb and vegetable planters to make them into social and productive spaces.

The new guidelines will be launched at a verge garden community event at Sullivan Hall, White Gum Valley on Sunday 5 May 2024and will be available at fremantle.wa.gov.au/verge-gardens-scheme

Members of the ‘Valley Verges’ community group, which has been encouraging people to plant verge gardens since 2019, will be on hand to share their expertise.

North Fremantle nursery, APACE WA, will be there to talk about the importance of planting endemic species.

To register your attendance at the event go to fremantle.wa.gov.au/vergegardenparty

To get budding gardeners started, in May the City of Fremantle is giving residents the opportunity to buy up to 20 half-price native plants per household from APACE WA, while stocks last.

The number of plants per household has been reduced this year, to allow more people to access the scheme.

Residents are asked to register for the Native Plants Subsidy Scheme via an online application form from fremantle.wa.gov.au/verge-gardens-scheme

Starting in September, the City will co-host a series of workshops around Fremantle with native plant experts APACE WA.

These workshops will focus on verge preparation, soil health and plant species selection, providing residents with valuable insights to create thriving green verges.

Workshop dates and locations will be shared via the City of Fremantle’s social media channels and in the What’s On section of the City’s website.

Residents are also being reminded they can request to have a street tree planted on their verge, at no cost, during winter by contacting the City.

GOOD NEWS FOR SOUTH BEACH USERS

Finally good news for those who enjoy South Beach. Fremantle Council made a bit of a mess of wanting to put a new toilet block there, but it has just signed of on the construction contract for the South Beach toilets and change rooms building facility with ICS Australia.

The contract was awarded after a tender process, in which ICS Australia’s proposal demonstrated the best value-for-money, offering cost savings while maintaining quality design and functionality.

The scope of works has been agreed and the contract award cost will not exceed $2.5million.

ICS Australia, a local construction company, delivered the Fremantle Leisure Centre’s roof replacement project in 2022.

ICS will gain possession of the site in June 2024 and are expected to finish the build by mid-2025.

Roel Loopers

NORTH MOLE FERRY TERMINAL CLOSED

The Northport ferry terminal at Rous Head will be closed for about five months from this Monday April 22, so Rottnest Island ferries will only depart from Victoria Quay.

The terminal is managed by Rottnest Express, who are renovating the building.

Roel Loopers

THE FREMANTLE PORTS DINGO IS BACK!

The dingo is back on Victoria Quay! Vandals removed it some weeks ago and the Tony Jones sculpture needed some repairs. That has now been done and the dingo is welcoming the migrant again.

Roel Loopers

SOUTH BEACH NOT ON NEW TOURIST BUS ROUTE

Fremantle Council will on Wednesday consider a contract with Horizons West for a tourist bus service around town. It would however not go to South Beach, as the CAT bus did.

Horizons West’s core business focus is bus transport making it one of the largest and most experienced land transport operators in WA with a large fleet of quality buses as well as a pool of experienced drivers. Horizon’s West are currently the incumbent of the Fremantle Visitor Centre shuttle bus contract.

In addition to the Horizons West management, SeaLink WA (also owned by Kelsian Group), which runs both the Captain Cook Cruise business on the Swan River and the SeaLink Rottnest ferry service between Fremantle and Rottnest Island, would play an active part in managing this contract, using its strong relationships with Fremantle’s tourism and hospitality operators to maximise the opportunities associated with this concept.

The proposal includes the opportunity for these businesses who are experts in both marine and tourism to partner to leverage tourism outcomes maximising on the transport connection via river.

OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION

Council:

1. Nominate Horizons West as the preferred supplier for the Tourist Bus expression of interest, subject to seeking further interest from the State Government in delivering a broader metropolitan-wide tourism related bus service that incorporates Fremantle.

2. Notes that the outcome of a further tender process will be brought back to Council for consideration.

Roel Loopers

GOOD FRIDAY MORNING FREO!

Are they sky boats up there at Mews Road in the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour?

Yep, the sky is still so blue, and it is still very hot so close to winter, but this Loopy shooter keeps finding beauty in the ordinary. 🥳

And workers putting new pillars in the commercial section of the harbour.

Roel Loopers

LIGHTING UP FREO’S HEART

The installation of new street lights around Walyalup Koort is progressing well. New lights are being installed along Queen, Adelaide and William streets. That will make a huge difference to that dark area, where many people don’t feel safe after sunset.

The lights will be switched on mid to late May, so not long to go.

Roel Loopers

CAN ELDERS DEVELOPMENT ACCOMMODATE SKATERS?

The historic Elders Woolstores, opposite Clancy’s, was bought by Hesperia in 2022, and the long-awaited development of the buildings is not far away, according to the developers. But skaters are now demanding that the ledge along the southern side of the building should be preserved, so that skaters can still use it. That will be a serious dilemma for the developers.

ABC TV did a report “Trying to safe one of Australia’s top skate sites” I believe that is a bit of hyperbole. Fact is that the ledge is not anywhere near as popular with skaters as it was a decade and more ago. Whenever I walk by there is more often than not no one skating there, and if there are skaters, there are fewer than a handful.

The call by the WA Skateboarding Association to preserve the ledge might well remain an unfulfilled dream, because the long ledge would severely restrict the development options for Hesperia and its architects. It would basically mean that there can hardly be any entries into the building on the southern side, so no space for shops, cafes, alfresco, townhouses, etc. I believe that is an unrealistic expectation.

Keeping the ledge would mean the clanking noise of skateboards for those who live in the new development, or operate a business there. And that noise would also be a nuisance to those moving into the apartments that will be built by Sirona Urban, over the road at the Point Street carpark site.

Having hundreds of people living in the area would also mean that skaters at the ledge would become a hazard for pedestrians. There have also been reports, and I have witnessed it myself, about out of control skateboards slamming into and damaging parked cars along Cantonment Street.

I love watching the skillful skaters at the Youth Plaza skatepark on the Esplanade, so would there be an option of putting a large part of the ledge next to it?

Or maybe there is an opportunity to relocate a section of the ledge to the skatepark next to Captain Munchies at Beach Street. That seems to be a better option to me, than keeping it where it is and impacting the new development.

Roel Loopers

GO ENJOY A FREMANTLE PORTS HARBOUR TOUR

The Fremanle Ports Harbour Tours are on again. Enjoy a scenic and educational boat tour travelling along both sides of the Inner Harbour: Victoria Quay and North Quay. While you enjoy spectacular views of the harbour, our “Friends of Fremantle Ports” volunteers will provide commentary on Fremantle Ports’ daily operations and rich history.

This tour will be on the water on a chartered vessel, with strict time scheduling. We heavily recommend arriving before the start time to avoid missing the tour. Enclosed footwear is required and wet weather gear (if rain has been forecast)

This event is restricted to ages 6 and up.

The tours start and finisg at the East Street jetty at Beach Street. On Sunday April 21 there will be tours at 11am, 12 noon, and 1, 2 and 3pm.

Bookings essential, so check Facebook or the Fremantle Ports website for details.

Roel Loopers

HARBOUR MASTER CLASSIC RUN IS ON AGAIN

Have you registered for the fourth Fremantle Ports Harbour Master Classic run yet? It is on Sunday May 5 along Victoria Quay and the South Mole.

Whether you are a serious runner or are looking for a post-summer challenge, this event is for you and the first 500 entries receive a free Fremantle Ports Harbour Master Classic shirt.

Get a school team together, run with your football/netball club or in a family group. Prams are welcome and there’s a kids’ dash too.

Professionally run by the WA Marathon Club, the sound of the starter gun and ships’ horns will kick off the race in front of E Shed, before heading out to South Mole and back along Victoria Quay enjoying the harbourside sights. 

In the spirit of fun spot prizes will be awarded, including best nautical costume – so be sure to be creative and dress up in your best pirate, mariner, mermaid, dolphin, octopus, sailor costume.

This years’ charity beneficiary is the Native Animal Rescue (NAR).

Runners are encouraged to get to the event by train, with Fremantle Railway Station just 300m from the start line, trains arrive at Fremantle from 7.15am. Bag drop is available in E Shed, so bring a jumper and enjoy Sunday morning on Victoria Quay. 

Start times are: 
8am for the 5km run, 
9am for the 10km run, 
10:30am for the Kids Dash.       

Online registrations close on Sunday, 5 May 2024 at 7:30 AM, unless sold out prior.

LONG SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT WORKERS

The WA State Government is introducing long service leave regulations to give clarity and certainty of the entitlements for around 23,000 Western Australian local government workers.

The new regulations improve the operation of the local government long service leave portability scheme, which is an integral part of local government employment conditions. This means that when staff change employment from one local government to another, their previous service continues to count towards their long service leave entitlements.

The new regulations, which come into effect on 1 September 2024, introduce a raft of improvements including:

• a longer permitted period of break between local government sector employers that maintains the employee’s continuity of service;
• allowing for parental leave pay from the Australian Government to count towards long service leave accrual;
• allowing advanced long service leave and the cashing out of long service leave; and
• clear protections for the entitlements in the event of unfair or unlawful dismissal.

These changes will also bring specific benefits for employees who have worked casually or part-time or who have moved between employers.  

More information about the changes is available on the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries website at: http://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/long-service

ABORIGINAL ART FOR CRUISERS GANGWAY

Young Whadjuk, Ballardong, Arrernte artist Jade Dolman is creating a wonderful work of art on one of the Fremantle Ports cruise ship gangways.

She is painting both sides, plus the top of the 15-metre passage way in one of the Slip Street sheds. That makes it an impressive 45-metre-long artwork.

She is painting the local Aboriginal stories of where the river meets the sea on the sides of the gangway, and those of the constellation of the sky on the roof. It already looked great this morning, so I am looking forward to seeing the completed artwork next week.

And a bit of trivia for you. Jade Dolman is the daughter of TV TEN personality Narelda Jacobs.

Jade agreed this morning that Fremantle/Walyalup should have a lot more public Aboriginal art, as there are so many stories to be told and share.

Roel Loopers

DREDGING OF THE FREMANTLE INNER HARBOUR

The Fremantle Inner Harbour maintenance dredging project began yesterday. The dredging is planned to only run for ten days, but more than 18 months of planning has gone into this project by Fremantle Ports to ensure it’s done well, and in an appropriate manner.

Dredging of the Inner Harbour by the TRUD R vessel will remove 60,000 cubic meters of sediment that has come down the river since the harbour was deepened in 2010. That amount is relatively small, just 2 per cent of what was removed when the harbour was deepened in 2010. 

This will allow the port to maintain harbour depth so large ships can continue to enter and leave safely and efficiently. The dredged sediment will be deposited offshore in Gage Roads anchorage, on the advice of marine consultants, and in line with an Australian Government approval.

Fremantle Ports engaged environmental consultants to provide advice on the maintenance dredging. The project’s been assessed to have a low environmental risk and disposal operations planned to have as little impact as possible on the seabed, water quality, marine fauna and seagrass meadows. Some limited plumes are anticipated both upstream and downstream, but are expected to be no worse than river water with sediment in suspension, as seen during mid-winter. 

The dredging project marks the first opportunity for Fremantle Ports to use three newly-trained Indigenous Marine Rangers. One of the rangers will conduct marine monitoring on a science vessel before, during and after the dredging operations and the other two rangers underwent training as marine species observers and will be positioned on the dredge. Marine species observation is a highly regarded skill in the marine environmental industry and will provide valuable ongoing work opportunities for the rangers.

Roel Loopers

BIG MOTHER’S DAY AT FREO FARMERS MARKET

The Freo Farmers Market is putting on a Mother’s Day to remember on May 12.

The very popular market continues to go from strength to strength and will have a bumper day at Bruce Lee Oval in Beaconsfield on Sunday May 12 from 8am till noon.

There will be over 70 stalls including many massage and health therapists attending on the special day, so Mum can get the pampering she deserves. To capture memories of the Freo Farmers Market Mother’s Day a free photo booth will be there, with prints for everyone.

Musician Ari Davies will provide the music on the morning, and Lady Bird’s Fairy Sandy, and Farmer Damian’s Moobile Farm animals will keep the kids entertained

There will be a Big Raffle with great prizes. Tickets are already being sold and can be purchased in the lead up to Mother’s Day, with the draw happening at 12 noon. The raffle money raised will be donated to “Nectar for Women” with the Fremantle Foundation.

If you would like to contribute to the raffle, or like to sponsor one of the kids’activities, get in touch with Kylie Wheatley: freofarmersmarket@gmail.com

Roel Loopers

POPULAR ARTWALK FREO IS BACK!

Artwalk Freo will return to the streets of Fremantle and neighbouring suburbs in May, when local artists open the doors to their studios, homes, and creative spaces.

What started as a single weekend event, will this year span three weekends commencing May 4 and 5, as the community is invited to wander the streets and explore the hidden artistic corners of Fremantle and witness the artists at work.

Artwalk Freo offers a glimpse inside working studios, watching the process behind different creative practices, and see how an artist’s living space embodies the inspiration, thoughts and ideas that make up their artistic world.

Organiser, Ros de Souza, has seen first-hand the positive impact Artwalk Freo has had on artists and the local community since its successful inaugural event in 2014.

“The past few years have been challenging for artists and the community as a whole, but Artwalk Freo is a testament to our resilience and creativity,” said Ros De Souza, “We’re thrilled to invite the public back into our homes and studios, allowing them to experience the magic of art in a truly unique and personal setting.”

Artwalk Freo is more than just open studios; it’s a journey of discovery, exploration, and community. The entire event is designed to be walkable, allowing visitors to wander from studio to studio, with each weekend focusing on a group of artists located within the same area.

The first weekend will feature artists who reside in South Fremantle. The following weekend will move into the streets of White Gum Valley, with the third weekend in the Monument Hill area, and the final weekend will be visiting creatives who live and work around the Fremantle Arts Centre.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.artwalkfreo.com or https://events.humanitix.com/awf24/

Weekend 1 – South Fremantle: Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May

1. 1)  Laura Mitchell: 2 Coral Street South Fremantle
2. 2)  Marina Lommerse: 11 King William Street South Fremantle
3. 3)  Olivia Samec: 7 Chester Street South Fremantle
4. 4)  Sara Drake: 37 Scott Street South Fremantle
5. 5)  Jan Purser: 31B Scott Street South Fremantle.
6. 6)  Sandra Black: 16 Hulbert Street South Fremantle
7. 7)  Beste Ogan: 454 South Terrace South Fremantle

Weekend 2 – Fremantle/White Gum Valley: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May

1. 1)  Pete Ross: 60 Solomon Street Fremantle
2. 2)  Lyn Mazzilli: 32 Wood Street Fremantle
3. 3)  Audrey & Arif Satar: 53B Wood Street Fremantle
4. 4)  Jo Darbyshire: 26 Wood Street Fremantle
5. 5)  Dr Kelsey Ashe: 12 Trusting Lane White Gum Valley
6. 6)  Bridget Seaton: 62 Watkins Street White Gum Valley
7. 7)  Eveline Kotai: 48 Watkins Street White Gum Valley
8. 8)  Sujora Conrad: 57 Hope Street White Gum Valley

Weekend 3 – Fremantle: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May

1. 1)  Rae Walter: 8 Swanbourne Street Fremantle
2. 2)  Ian De Souza: 14/B Blinco Street Fremantle
3. 3)  Sarah Abbott: 9A Amherst Street Fremantle
4. 4)  Alison Bullock: 96 Holland Street Fremantle
5. 5)  Michael Knight: 12 Holland Street Fremantle
6. 6)  Pippin Drysdale: 22 Tuckfield Street Fremantle
7. 7)  Megan Salmon: 40 Quarry Street Fremantle

Roel Loopers

DREDGING OF THE INNER HARBOUR STARTS

The dredging of the inner harbour of Fremantle Ports starts today and will continue for ten days.

The TRUD R vessel received a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony this morning. It will also have three Aboriginal rangers on board, or on a support vessel, to monitor the wildlife.

Roel Loopers

HANG OUT WITH OTHER SIXTY SOMETHINGS

Encore is an opportunity for 60+ singles to meet others. It is a free event at the Ode to Sirens, 25 High Street in Fremantle’s West End. Have a drink or soft drink, a meal, meet new people, socialise and mingle and make new friends.

The get together is on April 25, which is ANZAC Day, from 6-9pm. Don’t be shy. It will be relaxing fun!

Roel Loopers

IS FREO A CITY THAT CARES?

I walk under this sign at South Terrace many times a day, and every time I do it annoys me, because it indicates to me that Fremantle is a city that does not care. So disappointing!

Roel Loopers

BATHERS BEACH NEEDS PROPER PLANNING

It is highly likely that the State Government will approve the application for a grant to install a shark enclosure at Fremantle’s Bathers Beach, but that alone is not enough. It is essential that Fremantle Council starts having a big picture approach to what else needs and could be done at our inner city beach. The small improvements that have been made there have been in drips and drabs, without proper long term planning for the area. That is not very good city planning by Fremantle Council.

The most important development has to be public toilets. It is not fair that Fishing Boat Harbour traders have become de facto public toilets for the general public, and not just their customers. The toilets on the Esplanade are too far away and require people to cross the railway line, and no one is going to do that in their bathers.

It might be a good idea for our councillors to re-visit the idea of partly developing the J Shed area at the northern end of Bathers Beach. There were plans in the past for a cafe with an alfresco deck, overlooking the beach, and of a small function centre for weddings, that are very popular in the historic West End. It could become a small bar in the evenings, so that people can enjoy the sunset while having a quit drink.

Council should however not go off the rails, as they did years ago, when they approved a tavern and outdoor music venue at J Shed, to the outrage of the community. That silliness was only stopped when the State Government ruled that it was inappropriate development for an A Class reserve.

I realise that changes to the reserve might upset some of the J Shed artists, who all are my friends, but we need to have out of the box thinking when it comes to activating Bathers Beach and the stunning West End of our city.

There have been many talks and plans for the area, for as long as I have been living in Freo, which is over 30 years, but very little has been done. It’s time for a rethink, because a shark enclosure on its own won’t do the job of drawing many more people to that end of town.

It would also be good to have a small sign at the entry to the Whalers Tunnel to indicate it is going to Bathers Beach. And could we also have some directions painted on the path, showing visitors that it is leading to Victoria Quay and the Maritime Museum. That should be very basic tourist information, but somehow the City of Fremantle appears incapable of doing the basics very well.

Roel Loopers

NOT MUCH RAIN FOR FREMANTLE

While some of the northern suburbs got a real drenching yesterday, there was not much rain in central Fremantle. We had a nice rainbow just before 6pm and the streets got wet and shiny, but no soaking for the port city.

Roel Loopers

OMG! CLOUDS OVER FREMANTLE

This is what the sky over Fremantle looks right now from my balcony. Looking towards South Fremantle. But where is the much needed rain?!

Roel Loopers

QUIRKY FREO HERITAGE

A quirky piece of art on the side of the Lionel Samson building in Freo’s Cliff Street.

There is always something to discover in our city.

Roel Loopers

MAERSK SEMAKAU ENTERS FREMANTLE PORT

The 318-metre-long Maersk Semakau entered Fremantle Port at 10.30 this morning. The ship has a gross tonnage of 7,9702 and was assisted by four tugs, to turn it around.

It’s always a great sight to see the massive container vessels in our Freo port.

Roel Loopers