Plans are well underway to make our Town greener, cooler, more inviting and reduce its carbon footprint. Recent rainfall will certainly help with the tree planting! I need to acknowledge community members, Councillors and staff involved in the Climate Action Reference Group that advise and provide direction for Council in relation to climate change.
The Town was successful in securing the largest grant of any local government in WA (worth $70,000) for the planting of 400 new trees, thanks to the Water Corporation and the WA Local Government Association. These new trees will soon be planted in our parks and road reserves - read on for details.
In recent weeks I met with the Premier and the Minister for Sport as well as the Minister for Local Government (see pictures below) to advocate for issues that we know are important to you, and we are receiving great support in delivering on those.
In this edition of our e-news you can find out the latest with the redevelopment of the Royal George Hotel, find out how we are progressing plans for East Fremantle Oval, and get updates on important infrastructure upgrades on our local streets and with our water pipe network.
In this edition of our e-news you can find out the latest with the redevelopment of the Royal George Hotel, find out how we are progressing plans for East Fremantle Oval, and get updates on important infrastructure upgrades on our local streets and with our water pipe network.
Earlier this year, Council awarded grants to several worthy community associations and clubs, and it is pleasing to see that already those funds are being put to good use. There are many great local groups that are run by community volunteers that provide opportunities for healthy active living and fellowship - a full listing is available in our Community Calendar (copies are still available at our Town Hall) where you can to find out more.
Did you know that 2 April 2022 marks the 125th Anniversary of the founding of East Fremantle? Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we formulate a plan to mark this anniversary in grand style!
And don't forget to save the date for East Fremantle's George Street Festival on Sunday 5 December 11am to 6pm as this year's will be bigger and better than ever as we deliver a sustainable street party. Attendance is free, but we encourage you to register online so that we can ensure everyone is catered for. We are thankful for Fremantle Ports' sponsorship of the event and are working with LotteryWest to secure their support also.
I trust you find this e-news informative and helpful - please share with anyone who might be interested.
Kind regards
Jim O'Neill
Mayor
Securing funding for our Oval Meeting Minister for Local Government
Council Meetings
For August and September 2021, please note these important dates:
Ordinary Council Meeting, Tuesday 17 August
Town Planning Committee Meeting, Tuesday 7 September
Ordinary Council Meeting, Tuesday 21 September Both meetings begin at 6.30pm in the Council Chamber at East Fremantle Town Hall, 135 Canning Highway
To view the agendas for Council and Committee meetings (once available) visit our website.
Please note that social distancing restrictions will be in place and the number of members of the public able to attend either meeting will be governed by State Government restrictions in force at that time. All efforts will be made to facilitate attendance within these guidelines, and all parties interested in attending are required to register their attendance by midday on the day of the meeting.
New Trees Coming Soon
East Fremantle will soon become greener, cooler and more inviting as the Town undertakes tree planting in reserves and parks to increase urban greening.
Earlier in the year, the Town successfully secured $70,000 in grant funding from the State Government’s Urban Canopy Grant program to plant trees across the community.
The funding was delivered through the Water Corporation and administered by the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA).
The Town over the next two years will implement a staged rollout of the Government’s Urban Canopy Grant program, which includes the planting of more than 400 new trees (see image below as a guide for the size of the trees being planted).
Trees assist by activating spaces, reducing urban heat, creating more liveable areas improving both physical and mental health. They also improve amenity and increase property value as well as providing habitat for local birds and animals.
Round One includes the planting of trees in the below areas:
Locke Park (47 trees).
Gourley Park (51 trees).
The road reserve on the corner of East Street and Marmion Street (31 trees).
The road reserve on the corner of St Peters Road and King Street (27 trees).
The first round of planting will begin in August 2021 and will take several weeks to complete. All of the trees being planted are consistent with the Town's Urban Streetscape and Public Realm Style Guide.
Note: the trees pictured are indicative of the size and type of trees to be planted.
Royal George Hotel Update
At its most recent meeting, Council made a submission to the State Development Assessment Unit/WA Planning Commission (SDAU/WAPC) on the development application for the Royal George Hotel site.
Council resolved to only support the proposal on the basis that the WAPC required that the development complies with the Town’s Planning Scheme building height limit and car parking provisions and for the development to comply with the Town’s public art and waste management policies.
Full details of the Council’s submission are available here or by contacting Planning Services (9339 9319).
The SDAU will now consider Council's submissions together with those from the community and government agencies. It will then prepare a report which will be considered by the WAPC. The SDAU Officer report will be made available to the public prior to the WAPC meeting and community members can request to make a deputation/presentation.
Applications to make a deputation/presentation at a WAPC meeting are to be in writing using the application form on the Agendas and Minutes page by accessing this website. This form must be submitted no later than 2pm, three (3) business days prior to the commencement of the meeting. Written submissions to the WAPC can also be made by following the process on the website.
Further information in relation to WAPC Agendas and upcoming meetings at which the development application may be considered can be obtained here or you are welcome to contact the Town to enquire about potential meeting dates.
Note: image is an artist's conception of the proposed development
Interesting in Running for Council?
Come and find out what is involved in standing for East Fremantle Council in the 2021 local government elections, the role of councillors and the mayor, and how to submit your nomination at this information session:
When: Tuesday 31 August 2021 from 6pm
Where: Town Hall Council Chamber
135 Canning Highway, East Fremantle
Local government elections will be held on Saturday 16 October 2021. The positions of Mayor and four councillors are up for election, each for a four-year term. Nominations for candidates open on Thursday 2 September and close at 4pm on Thursday 9 September 2021.
This information session is to assist potential candidates for office with their preparations. Conducted with the assistance of officials from the WA Electoral Commission and the WA Department of Local Government and Communities, it will cover the election process and the roles and responsibilities of elected members.
To be eligible to nominate for the elections, you must be on the electoral roll for the Town (resident or owner/occupier). Residents who are on the State Electoral Roll are automatically enrolled to vote. If you have recently relocated to East Fremantle, enrolment forms will be accepted until 5pm, Friday 27 August 2021. Due to COVID-19 health requirements, we encourage attendees to register their attendance by calling 9339 9339 during office hours or by email to jmay@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au
For all the news about the elections, visit our website or call the Election Line on 13 63 06.
Premier Confirms East Freo Oval Funds
Plans for the redevelopment of East Fremantle Oval are a step closer to fruition as Premier McGowan confirms the Government's funding commitment and the Town of East Fremantle finalises a tender for the management of the project, with an announcement expected shortly.
Premier McGowan visited Shark Park on Sunday 25 July, with Minister for Sport, Tony Buti, and followed up on his pre-election commitment of funding.
CEO Gary Tuffin advised that once the project management team were on board, the Town would appoint a design team including architects and other related disciplines who will bring the community’s vision to life.
“We are reaching out to commercial operators who have expressed an interest in operating within the redeveloped precinct, and we will be prioritising local businesses wherever we can for both the build itself and as tenants,” Mr Tuffin said.
He explained that the commercial tenants would provide services that would complement the new facilities created for the local East Fremantle Football Club, Bowling Club and Croquet Club, alongside some new hospitality spaces and recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Mr Tuffin confirmed that discussions were well advanced with the State Government to secure the funding agreement that will provide a $20 million investment into the project, along with the $5 million firmly committed and budgeted by the Town of East Fremantle, and another million to come from Town reserves. Those interested in reading more about the project, including viewing a 3D model of the design, can do so here
Clubs Helped with Grant Funds
The Town recently allocated funds to our local clubs through our Community Grants programme, and already they are being put to good use.
This week the East Fremantle Cricket Club shared a picture of the new public announcement system that they purchased with the help of the Town.
In all, Council approved the following:
• East Fremantle Croquet Club $980
• East Fremantle Cricket Club $1,100
• East Fremantle Junior Cricket Club $2,310
• Fremantle Outrigger Canoe Club $1,000
• Fremantle Sea Scouts $1,000
• HMAS Perth Memorial $3,516
• Hurricane Dragon Boat and Canoe Club $990
• Lions of East Fremantle $931
Total $11,827
We look forward to seeing what great things our local clubs can achieve thanks to grants funded by our residents.
Footpath Works Progressing Well
The Town's Operations Team have been hard at work improving footpaths in the Town, including the most recent works on Angwin and Fortescue Streets that are scheduled to be completed this week, with some delays due to the weather.
We thank residents for their patience during the works.
Stay tuned for more improvements throughout the year.
Recently completed works on Fortescue Street
Vote for East Freo Business in Awards
The Fremantle Chamber of Commerce (of which the Town of East Fremantle is a proud supporter) has announce the shortlisted entrants for the Fremantle Business Awards 2021 the People’s Choice category.
Local East Fremantle business Salsa Rossa has been nominated and they need your vote!
Did you know that you can win great prizes just by voting, and it's a great way to show our local businesses that they have your support.
In order to help us provide the best possible customer service for our residents and clients, we need your input.
You will notice on the front page of our website we are now posting our monthly customer service statistics. While our team work hard and offer a good level of service, we can always improve.
We look forward to assisting you when you next call, email or visit us.
Pipe renewal for East Fremantle
Pipes for Perth – East Fremantle construction starting late 2021
Water Corporation will soon be renewing 3km of water pipes in East Fremantle, Bicton and Palmyra. This work will improve the security and reliability of the water supply to the area for decades to come.
Construction work is planned to begin in late 2021 and will be completed in a staged approach which will continue through to mid-2022.
Water Corporation is planning some outreach events to explain the works to our residents including a Business Information Session on 16 September 2021 - save the date.
Main Roads advise that the location of two new bridges across the Swan River in Fremantle has now been confirmed, with the preferred alignment selected - new crossings are proposed to be built between the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge and the existing rail bridge (View Option One - PDF). This will improve safety for road and river users, improve traffic flows and increase connectivity for communities north and south of the river.
Key features of the bridge alignment include:
Two new bridges (one road and one rail) between the existing rail bridge and the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge
The new passenger rail bridge will include two tracks of rail
Transport infrastructure will be closer together, maximising the available space for urban landscaping
Improved pedestrian and cyclist facilities
Possible retention of a remnant portion of the existing Fremantle Traffic Bridge
Now that the alignment is confirmed, the project will be progressed through to the detailed design and development phase of the project, which will include further investigation of constructability, environmental assessments, scheduling, and detailed costing.
The 2021/22 Rate notices were issued 19 July 2021 with a due date for full payment or the first of either instalment option being Monday week, 23 August 2021.
If you are experiencing difficulty or require additional information relating to your account, please contact the Town in writing via admin@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au or using the contact form on the Town’s webpage, www.eastfremantle.wa.gov.au, where additional information can also be found in relation to the Rates and Charges for the 2021/22 financial year and you can read about our hardship provisions, discounts for pensioners and how to pay in installments.
Please note that the Rate notice included a General Waste pass and the Bulk Waste vouchers (4) accessing the Fremantle Recycling Centre were on a separate letter addressed to ‘The Resident’.
If you have any queries about your rates, please send us an email or call 9339 9339.
