John Street River Wall construction kicks off

The City of Fremantle has begun essential construction works to replace the failing and unsafe John Street River Wall at ‘John Reserve’ along the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) in North Fremantle.

The works include upgrading the river wall by demolishing and removing the existing revetment, and installing a new revetment, vertical block wall and scour protection.

There are also two large Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) located behind the existing wall. The rare trees are more than 40 years old and in good condition and will be retained and protected by arborists during the construction works.

Construction will continue until mid-December, and there will be no public access through the site. Access to the walking path and pier 21 will be from the north and south footpath.

The City has been consulting and collaborating with Whadjuk Elders on the project as the John Street River Wall is a registered site of significance under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (AHA) (Site DAA 3536 –Swan River) and 3596 (Rocky Bay).

A smoking ceremony performed by Traditional Custodians was held onsite before excavation works kicked off on 14 November. One of the most important of Nyoongar customs, a smoking ceremony is held to respectfully let the ancestors know of our presence before disturbing the site. The smoke (typically made up of Sandalwood, Balga and Eucalyptus) wards off the bad spirits – warra wirrin and brings in the good - kwop wirrin.

For more information about the project, call 1300 MY FREO (1300 693 736).