Residents in Perth’s Western suburbs are fighting back against a ferry jetty planned for Matilda Bay on the Nedlands foreshore.
The $107 million project will expand public transport along the Swan River, connecting Nedlands to Applecross and the city, but locals have their concerns.
Safety on the Swan is a volunteer-run community that aims to preserve the safety of users on the Swan River. One of the organisers, Megan Bagworth, said the 140-metre-long terminal which is the length of a football field will disrupt the breathtaking views and calm atmosphere. “It’s a place where you bring visitors and say, ‘This is Perth,’ and you’re proud to show it off.” she said.
A member of UWA boat club who asked to remain anonymous said she’s concerned that the wake produced by the ferry will create a risk for their more vulnerable rowers: “We teach a lot of novice rowers and the wash of the ferry will make it a lot harder and more dangerous for them.”
According to Liberal Jonathon Huston, more than 400,000 people visit Matilda Bay each year for picnics or community activity.
A picnic protest was held on the September 21 where locals gathered to show their opposition.
Local resident Chris McLennan attended this protest and said: “I think it’s a tragic shame to cut up the most beautiful bay in Perth with a ferry jetty and charging station,
“This is such a beautiful family picnic area. It’s a very safe bay at the moment, but it won’t be safe if the ferries are coming in here or anywhere in this bay.”
Ms McLennan said her main hope for the outcome of the protest was to see the ferry terminal moved to Jojo’s Jetty, only 1km away: “There is a jetty perfectly suited for it just around the corner.”
According to Ms Bagworth, a ferry terminal at Jojo’s would hold many benefits: “There’s development potential at Jojo’s and it has the ability to become a tourist precinct. There is a high density of people living there and greater parking.
“For QEII hospital staff it is a much faster trip. They are able to go straight up to Broadway to QEII, so it offers a much better option for them.”
But why has the Jojo’s site been rejected? Locals have been asking this question. According to Ms Bagworth: “The site was dismissed prematurely without the full analysis.”
According to the Perth Transport Authority: “Terminal locations were determined based on best overall for safety, water and land use, environment and connectivity.”
Matilda Bay holds a rich history once serving as a naval base for the United States Navy during WWII.
Sisters Chris McLennan and Dee House have a lifelong connection with the bay. “Our 93-year-old sister tells us the story of when the Catalina planes were here during WWII,” Ms McLennan said. “She and her friends would swim out to them,”
“We have a long history here, we don’t want it spoilt for the future generations.”
Residents are urging for more transparency around the project. “People are asking for more information in terms of how these decisions are made and information around the feasibility, environmental studies and wake studies,” Ms Bagworth said.
“All these things help provide confidence for the public.”
Locals are now gearing up for an Action Day on November 16, calling on the community to make their voices heard and protect Matilda Bay.