Freo residents urged to give feedback on Fremantle Harbours Master Plan

Fremantle residents are being encouraged to provide feedback on the state government’s newly unveiled draft master plan for Fremantle’s boat harbours.

The draft master plan, released yesterday by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, will guide the future development of the iconic Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour and adjoining Challenger and Success harbours for the next 40 years.

Central to the plan is the retention of the unique world-class working harbour with opportunities for long-term urban renewal, enhanced public spaces and improved access to the harbour from Fremantle's city centre and a redeveloped Victoria Quay.

It also sets a framework for sustainable future development and will complement the existing work underway to redevelop Fremantle's Victoria Quay Waterfront Precinct through the Future of Fremantle Planning Committee.

A key initiative is to reconnect the heart of the Fremantle with the water's edge by extending Norfolk Street, leading into a new mixed-use precinct.

Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the draft master plan was an important document for Fremantle’s future.

“Fremantle’s boat harbours are an absolutely critical part of the city, not just in terms of shaping our identity for tourism and hospitality but also in supporting our valuable marine industries,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“Our Freo 2029: Transformational Moves strategy has a strong focus on enhancing our waterfronts and improving their connection with the centre of the city, through ideas like the extension of Norfolk Street.

“We’re delighted these ideas have been taken on board and included in this draft master plan.

“I encourage all people who love Fremantle and its harbours to have a look at the master plan and provide their feedback, to ensure that whatever development happens in future aligns with community aspirations and expectations.”      

Other initiatives outlined in the draft Fremantle Harbours Master Plan include:

changes to traffic management to allow the northern section of Mews Road to be converted into a shared plaza, facilitating more festivals and events; improved pedestrian connection to the city centre through internal plazas, and along Bathers Beach to Victoria Quay; a focus on mode shift with bicycle parking, end of trip facilities and better public transport integration; new superyacht berths and support facilities; and opportunities for redevelopment sites, including a proposed mixed-use site where the boat lifter currently operates, and a site opposite Bathers Beach House. 

The draft Fremantle Harbours Master Plan is available for comment until September 4, 2022.

To participate in the online survey, visit transport.wa.gov.au/fremantleharboursmasterplan.