A much abbreviated RADM this fortnight, especially compared with my last RADM, as we’re dealing with a much shorter, operational Council meeting due to the caretaker period.
The caretaker period is in place until counting concludes following the Council election on Saturday 18 October 2025.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Brief this night as there were no petitions or deputations.
We heard a well-researched rationale for the reinstatement of the CAT bus by 14 year old Skye Atherton which was well received for consideration by the Mayor and Director of Planning and Place. Good on you, Skye.
Another speaker queried fines associated with lopping and maintenance of verge trees, which the Mayor confirmed the City will follow up on.
GILBERT FRASER RESERVE IRRIGATION RENEWAL
Given the historic significance of the reserve, a protracted discussion ensued regarding the siting of the water tank and its potential on views.
Council resolved to adopt the officer recommendation to note the community petition regarding the proposed relocation of the water tank but with a revision moved by Cr Van Dorssen to keep it in its current location.
VARIATION TO APPROVED THREE STORY TAVERN – 37 SOUTH TERRACE, FREMANTLE
The proponents sought to cut costs on the redevelopment of the former Hungry Jacks site on our Cappuccino Strip by stripping back the design with features such as the second balcony now being lost.
Specifically, the changes entail:
- “Removal of basement,
- Deletion of the balcony addition to South Terrace and Essex Street,
- External material changes,
- Extension of the ground floor awning to cover South Terrace entrance,
- Relocation of 1st floor brewery to the corner of Essex Street and Essex
Lane, and - Minor reduction in building height.”
A representative of the developers attested to their best attempts to deliver the vision despite challenging economics involved and “construction escalation”.
Council were not swayed, and elected to defer the item to a future meeting rather than support the officer recommendation to refuse the amended proposal.
The debate saw Cr Williamson-Wong reiterating that cost of construction is not a relevant consideration while Cr Van Dorssen confessed she disagrees to an extent, and notes that value management has to be done. Cr Graham acknowledged the arguments of both while insisting you have to work with proponents to delover successful places. Cr Archibald and Cr Lang both moved for a deferral, expressing their disappointment that the original approval is not going ahead, but are prepared to give the proponents an opportunity to improve the design before a decision is made.
Cr Sullivan spoke at length on his alternative recommendations, one of which being reluctantly for approval on the basis of the land having sat empty for so long, but acknowledged the direction of the wind blowing in the room and conceded to a deferral. Cr Mofflin agreed that the current needs to be considered on its own merits; this is neither a horrendous nor a perfect outcome, and expressed the hope that the proponents take tonight’s discussion onboard if deferred.
Deferred it was, but with the Mayor Fitzharding, Cr Williamson-Wong, and Cr Lawver against.
As for the options to be considered at the next meeting.The proponents may elect to stick to their current approval or try their hand at appealing the decision if refused, or apply for another amendment to their original approval!
IN OTHER NEWS
The Mayoral Debate will be held on Monday 6th October at 6pm in the University of Notre Dame Tannock Hall. There, councillors and candidates get to say their piece, and respond to questions, about why they should be considered for Mayor! Make sure you don’t miss out.
Meanwhile, see you in a fortnight. Goodnight!
* By Gayle O’Leary. If you’d like to catch up on more by Gayle here on Fremantle Shipping News, look right here!
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