Salty Tale - Captain Munchies - Sore sight for eyes

Dear Editor,

The derelict Captain Munchies (corner of Parry and Beach Streets, and Elder Place, Fremantle) is encircled by a temporary wire fence across which a banner is strung: “How do I really feel?”

The answer? Not good.

Years ago, the snack bar was an iconic spot for late night eats. Over time Captain Munchies lost popularity and fell into disrepair. Now a derelict abandoned building, it is an eyesore sitting squarely on a main road into Fremantle and a stone’s throw from the Victoria Quay Passenger Terminal. In full view of cruise ship passengers, tourists, workers, and residents, here are photos of just what they all see. The cruise ship in the photographs, by the way is Westerdam that was berthed here just two days ago, 9 December,

Which authority is responsible for dealing with Captain Munchies? Fremantle Council advises that Captain Munchies is owned by Perth Transport Authority and therefore the site is not within the Council’s control. Freo MP Simone McGurk’s office says that discussions are ongoing between the Council and PTA since the lease ended in February, 10 months ago. Then there’s a rumour that it will be turned into a toilet block. Who is right?*

If anyone is listening, please demolish it. Turn the area into a small urban park, to greet visitors to this amazing town. Give the many people who walk and drive past this area the opportunity to enjoy an island of green and shade in an otherwise sterile and barren carpark. And, if ever the footbridge from the Passenger Terminal is rebuilt, this would make a great entrance to the West End.

Make Freo Beautiful (again)!

Kind Regards

Diane Summers, Fremantle

* Editor’s Note. In April, as reported here by Gayle O’Leary, Fremantle Council supported the installation of a Shelter structure, container installation and associated enhancements to assist the delivery of services to the homeless near the old Captain Munchies site.

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