Have your say on South Beach Place Plan draft

The City of Fremantle's draft South Beach Place Plan, a guiding document to help shape the precinct’s future development, is now live for community review. 

The draft plan summarises the thoughts and comments the City heard through an extensive community consultation period and outlines short, medium and long-term planning for the much-loved public space.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the first round of community consultation highlighted just how much people love South Beach and the reserve.

"We heard so many beautiful stories, from people being surprised by cheeky seals to spending their dog's last day at the beach,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

"People have grown up coming to South Beach and now take their own kids here.

"It's a special part of our Fremantle lifestyle so it’s important that we get the South Beach Place Plan right."

The South Beach Place Plan consultation reached 1,400 people online and gathered 250 survey responses via My Say Freo, along with a further 200 responses in person through a public drop-in session at South Beach Reserve.

Interactive workshops were also held with a Reference Group that was chosen from the applications submitted and reflected a cross-section of the South Beach community.

Five key themes were heard through the community consultation process including integrating universal accessibility, celebrating culture and stories, protecting the environment, preparing for climate change and ensuring we retain the unpretentious feel of the reserve.

The draft plan document is now live on the City’s My Say Freo website for community review, which is one of the final steps in the plan being formalised. 

“This part of the process is really about closing the loop with the community,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“We’re inviting people to share their comments on the draft plan, actions and activities that we have developed with the community. 

The final comments and feedback will be added to the draft plan following this round of community consultation, with the plan then presented to Council for formal adoption and used as a framework for future enhancements.

“The plan is a living document and the City will provide annual reviews to ensure it continues to reflect the community’s vision as we prepare to deliver key actions,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

One of the key short-term actions through the plan is the construction of new changeroom facilities at South Beach with preliminary works set to commence next week.

Contractors will be on site on Tuesday 2 May for geotechnical investigations to assess the terrain conditions which is an important first step in getting the site ready.

Demolition of the old changerooms is anticipated to commence in June with construction of the new facilities expected to start in the last quarter of 2023.

“The temporary changeroom facilities in place at the moment are providing a workable interim solution but we know everyone is eagerly awaiting the new facilities,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“Officers have been carefully planning out the delivery of works for the new changerooms to ensure minimal interruptions to beachgoers and nearby businesses.

“It’s a big project that will be delivered in a staged approach, but it will certainly be worth the wait.”

The facilities will include new male and female changing rooms and toilets, two universal access/family rooms, storage for beach wheelchairs and a new Changing Places facility.

Changing Places are secure, private toilet facilities with extra space and features to assist people with disability.

The draft South Beach Place Plan is open for community comment until 5pm Friday 26 May.

Visit the My Say Freo website to have your say.