News > News > shopping_list

City of Fremantle's call to State Government: 'commit to our $1 billion shopping list'

THE City of Fremantle is calling on the State Government to bite the bullet and commit to almost $1 billion worth of projects to ensure the longevity of the port city into the future.

“For far too long, the City of Fremantle has been ignored by successive state governments and we think it’s high time both the Labor and Liberal parties made a proper commitment to the people they represent in this area,” Fremantle Mayor Peter Tagliaferri said.

Mayor Tagliaferri has devised a 10-point list of projects and assurances for the City of Fremantle – worth $957 million – he wants to see firm action on:
• A solid commitment to having no lead carbonate come through the port of Fremantle, matched with responsibility taken for those affected by the lead disaster in Esperance.
• An electrified southern rail line connecting Fremantle to Cockburn Central, a project estimated to be $400 million.
• A $300 million upgrade to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, as per City of Fremantle approvals and recommendations.
• Building an $84 million regional police station, as part of tackling safety and security issues.
• A $56 million commitment for key projects including upgrades to the Phillimore Street Precinct, Fremantle Arts Centre, Princess May Park and Fremantle Esplanade Reserve.
• Converting other City of Fremantle suburbs, including Samson, Hilton, North Fremantle, Beaconsfield and South Fremantle, to underground power ($40 million, completely funded by the State Government).
• Infrastructure, road works and appropriate signage in preparation for the 2011 ISAF World Sailing Championships ($30 million).
• Capping the former South Fremantle Landfill Site, estimated at $30 million.
• $12 million to completely fund the current CAT bus service and extend it further, as part of sustainable transport initiatives, over the next 10 years.
• A $5 million tourism budget allocation to be spent over five years, helping to promote Fremantle as one of WA’s tourism icons.

“There has been far too much cost-shifting to local government over the past 15 years and this is a chance for the State Government to redress the balance and give back to the people right across the City of Fremantle,” Mayor Tagliaferri said.

“In order to keep the vibrancy of Fremantle alive, we need solid financial backing to enhance our features and strengths to ensure our city offers the best facilities available.

“Boasting about budget surpluses is all well and good but the time has come for the State Government to put its money where its mouth is.

“With an election now in full swing, all parties need to declare a strong financial commitment to Fremantle into the future – otherwise it’s clear they don’t recognise the real value of a true WA asset.”