AusLeisure

The City of Fremantle will progress its plan to install a protected swimming area at Bathers Beach.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said it wasn't about choosing the busiest or most shark-prone beach, it was about creating a safe place at a currently underutilised beach.

Mayor Fitzhardinge advised "there are a number of reasons why we see Bathers Beach as a real opportunity.

"One of the things that's really clear about enclosed swimming areas is that they attract a lot more people.

"So, you're not catering to the existing beach population, you're catering to the population of people who currently do not go to the beach and swim.”

Council also received the results of a community engagement survey in which 159 submissions were made.

Parking was identified in the survey as a potential challenge, however Mayor Fitzhardinge welcomed the recent opening of the nearby TAFE carpark to the public on weekends, which will mitigate some of the perceived problems.

Bathers Beach is also a 750metre walk from the Fremantle Train Station and bus interchange.

Council has advised they will seek:

• the maximum funding available from the state government and submit a proposal for residual costs in the City’s 2024-25 budget.
• to formalise an offer from nearby business owners to contribute to the annual maintenance costs of the barrier, and potentially the cost of improving bathroom facilities near the beach.
• budget approval for further investigation of an enclosed swimming area in the river at Harvey Beach, North Fremantle, which has attracted strong community support.

Image. Credit: City of Fremantle

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22nd December 2023 - Fremantle Council rejects tenders for South Beach change rooms design

13th December 2023 - Shark barrier considered for Fremantle’s Bathers Beach

6th November 2023 - Leisure and tourism offerings expanded at Fremantle beaches

28th September 2023 - Final plans released for revitalisation of Fremantle harbours precinct

25th February 2023 - City of Fremantle explores shark barrier options

22nd June 2022 - Fremantle community support enforced shark fishing ban

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19th July 2021 - Fremantle beach facilities to benefit from Council funding

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