The City of Fremantle has decided to postpone the deployment of the beach enclosure at Bathers Beach.
The City's contractor Franmarine Underwater Services has already produced the enclosure and has been standing by for installation.
The required approvals have been sought from the Department of Transport, Fremantle Ports and the Heritage Council of WA.
However, due to a Heritage Protection Order for the heritage listed remnants of the Long Jetty, which runs adjacent to the enclosure, the proposal must be referred to the Minister for Heritage for approval.
Given the state government is now in caretaker mode, it's unlikely a decision would be made in time for deployment this summer.
The City has therefore made the fiscally responsible decision to postpone deployment, saving a large portion of the $61,035 operational budget for 2025.
The City plans to deploy the beach enclosure in early October 2025, for the summer season, and remove it at the end of April 2026.
While best efforts were made to have a protected swimming area at Bathers Beach this summer, the approvals process is thorough and cannot be rushed.
The City thanks the Department for Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Minister for Fisheries for their support.
We apologise for any disappointment caused and hope that the community understands the reasoning for this decision.
From City of Fremantle CEO Glen Dougall
