FREMANTLE is set to enjoy strong growth according to people engaged in the local scene, but just how this growth will manifest itself is still open to debate.
The different concepts were highlighted at a recent breakfast hosted by the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce.
Monteath Properties managing director Bruce Monteath said he viewed Fremantle as a theme park.
“There are so many things to do. There are so many opportunities,” he said.
Fremantle Major Richard Utting later responded by saying he nearly choked on his Weeties when he heard Fremantle described as a theme park.
“We are not going to build a city for tourists, we are going to build a city the people of Fremantle like,” Mr Utting said.
He said heritage was an important part of Fremantle and any development.
Speaking on the retention of the silos on the harbour, he said council would make the decision for the Ministry of Planning.
Planning and Heritage Minister Graham Kierath said often parties involved in planning and development did not want to work together.
The Draft Fremantle Inner Harbour Port Development Plan received eight submissions supporting demolition of the silos.
Fremantle Port Authority CEO Kerry Sanderson said the submissions supported the need to free-up needed space for cargo handling.
“While recognising that some would like to see the silos remain, these structures cannot be used for another purpose,” she said.
“The retention of the silos would severely impact on the Port’s capacity and operational efficiency, threatening the long-term viability of the inner harbour.
“We remain firmly of the view that the silos must go, and we now have called tenders for their removal,” Mrs Sanderson said.
