Protestors are adamant that there is still more to be done following State Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn’s early-August dismissal of objections to the proposed ferry jetty and terminal development at Matilda Bay.

The $107 million project aims to connect the existing Elizabeth Quay ferry terminal with new ones at Matilda Bay and Applecross. It is set to be completed in 2027, but members of the public have raised concerns and are calling for changes to the Matilda Bay jetty plan.

Nedlands resident Judi Wilson said that the Government had overlooked protesters’ pleas and failed to acknowledge their input in public consultation meetings over the past year.

Mrs Wilson claimed that questions in parliament put forward through representatives had been met with belittlement by the Government, alleging that Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti “cannot respond with proper facts or detail.”

Wilson also highlighted the social benefits of Matilda Bay for its users, explaining how the bay is home to several volunteer-run groups and provides teens with a unique opportunity to get their fitness in while actively enjoying themselves.

The proposed ferry jetty terminal is set to be built in the middle of Matilda Bay, with Saffioti suggesting the length of the jetty could be increased to 40 metres to enable children to continue swimming and playing near the shore.

Protestors have also argued that the removal of more than 30 trees to make way for the ferry terminal at Matilda Bay poses a significant risk to local wildlife, claiming that black swans and ducks will lose access to a critical habitat.

Advocacy group Safety on Swan organiser Megan Bagworth said the government had failed to assess how people use the bay, overlooking it for the proposed ferry development.

In response to State Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn’s dismissal of objections to the ferry proposal, Ms Bagworth promised: “It’s not over.” She said Mr Swinbourn’s decision referred exclusively to seagrass clearing in Matilda Bay, and that the Department of Bidiversity, Conservation and Attractions process was still to occur.

“A lot of people assume it’s all done, but Megan is working tirelessly”, Mrs Wilson said of Ms Bagworth.

The group has suggested that the ferry terminal could be located opposite the Southern end of the UWA campus, near a currently closed restaurant called JoJos, that has an existing jetty that could be refurbished.

Scarborough resident Nelson Clarke, a frequent visitor to Matilda Bay, said the ferry terminal should be built in Matilda Bay and not at site at JoJo’s site due to its proximity to several other forms of public transport, as well as the UWA campus.

Matilda Bay is about 300 metres closer by foot to UWA than JoJo’s, which has played a notable role in the government’s decision to keep the planned ferry terminal at Matilda Bay.

Mr Clarke, a former yacht club member, said rowing clubs “kicked up quite a fuss” over the proposed ferry terminal development, adding that most protestors “are members of the local clubs who would prefer the ferry not to be in the area.”

The Perth Dinghy Sailing Club and the UWA Boat Club are located at the Northern end of Matilda Bay and Royal Perth Yacht Club is at the Southern end.

A February 2026 petition from Nedlands MP Jonathan Huston calling for the proposed ferry terminal to be relocated to JoJos Jetty had more than 10,000 signatures.

Mr Clarke expressed frustration with driving for as long as an hour on occasions to reach Matilda Bay from the city, suggesting that a ferry terminal at Matilda Bay would improve public transport efficiency. Google’s estimate, however, for travel time from the city to Matilda Bay is 10 to 20 minutes by car and 8 to 15 minutes on the Route 950 Bus in peak hour.

A report commissioned by Safety on Swan found water users to be at “serious risk” should the ferry jetty terminal and development go ahead.

Mr Clarke said: “I don’t feel the ferry will be interrupting to anyone. I’ve sailed a huge amount, never had an issue with the ferry while sailing. The ferry has right of way. But if there’s anything wrong, the ferry is driven by professionals who will avoid any kind of incident.”

The proposed Matilda Bay ferry terminal will be built in the existing carpark, taking up space that is currently 100 parking bays. The plan includes upgrades to the existing toilet block. The jetty won’t just be to pick up and drop off passengers, it will be long enough for all four ferrys to berth there overnight.

Ms Bagworth said protesters would gather again for a Matilda Bay Support Picnic and Rally on October 11.