Heritage of the Future
04 Jul, 2007
Having grown up in Hobart near Constitution Docks and Salamanca, I have seen the integration of new buildings with heritage listed buildings that now represents the heritage of the future.
It's similar to Fremantle in terms of what can come out of such integration and the initial resistance by an ultra-conservative establishment that can't see further than apple ships being loaded by horse and dray.
The stick-in-the-muds' catch phrase was that the wharf was for ships. Today thousands flock dockside to famous Sydney-Hobart welcomes and high-class restaurants. It is now not just a place for ships but for people.
This area has been transformed into a vibrant, eclectic, wonderful wharf, which I liken to Fremantle's. Hobart is a working port with an active fishing industry, the country's best markets, restaurants, a distillery, bars and hotels (some six-storey). A brilliant mix offering a fantastic environment for families and travellers.
Fremantle captivated me 13 years ago and I have made it my home...and want only what is best for it. Since being involved in the Chamber, I have seen some fantastic events run by Fremantle First, which is essentially the Council's marketing arm. The only difference is the amount of leverage achieved through its business networks.
Some of these events would have been enjoyed by many local residents, including the blues and roots festival, boat show, fashion festival and the International Beer Festival. John Longley has also been instrumental in gaining state government support for the ISAF World Championships bid, which if successful would mean another America's Cup type event in Fremantle. He lives for Fremantle and gives all he has to offer to make it a better place.
The Chamber pursues commercial growth through membership interaction, with manifest benefits for Fremantle. We have an inherent policy of side-stepping arguments or squabbling with parties not always sympathetic to our progressive goals.
The Council represents the ratepayers and residents (of which I am one) and although there have been some positive outcomes in the past, it is evident to me that every time I read the local paper, there is a derogatory letter in public from one councillor about another.
Council effectiveness cannot derive from constant public bickering, which is fodder for trouble-makers and stalls the process of good governance.
Council should act as a board, but petty politics aside and objectively represent their electorate. In any direction, I still see apples loaded by horse-cart.
As President of the Chamber I expect to be properly guided by council in the greater public interest .... and not be as gob smacked as I have been watching from afar.
To have a policy on planning, to rebuke it time after time and end up with 25 cases in arbitration, is beyond comprehension. To approve a lease by majority then try to quash the decision (regardless of whether you and I agree or not), leaving yourself open to certain defeat by litigation, is poor management. The question after every council meeting should be "What have we achieved today in making Fremantle a better place?" I dare say that question has not been asked for some time.
Community consultation is necessary in any large scale development and I look forward to the outcome of the survey being carried out by the council on the ING proposal.
I am in favour of the changes to the bulk and architecture and believe the link to the city is workable. It provides easy access to Market and Phillimore Streets and a direct conduit to public transport.
Parking in Fremantle has always been a major obstacle for shoppers and visitors. The ING development will create ample parking within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants and tourist attractions. The existing "adequate" parking in Fremantle is too sporadic for people and consumers often aren't aware of it.
The economic reality of major projects such as the ING development is that they have to stack up. Maybe it would be better to have less retail, office and parking on the wharf, but who is going to develop it properly? Do we want to end up with a heap of discount retailers? No top end retailers will come near it if it doesn't have the parking and infrastructure.
An international company with runs on the board is looking now to us and we must not be intimidated by its benevolent gaze. It will build a world-class venue in an area that is not regularly utilised. It will bring over 1000 jobs into Fremantle. It will provide much needed convenient parking and upgrade the old dilapidated buildings in the vicinity. ING will provide a conduit not only to the city but to existing landmarks such as the Maritime Museum. If we don't accept this proposal, there will be no proposal, no revamp of the wharf, no boost to Fremantle businesses, no increase in tourist numbers and no FREE upgrade of existing buildings.
The reality is that it needs to be an absolute minimum of this size to make it work financially. If not, the businesses and jobs will go elsewhere.
If anyone is interested in seeing the scale model, I would advise going down to Fremantle Ports to have a look and make up your mind on whether you think it will add value to Fremantle.
I don't have all the answers as Chamber President but have responsibility to air my views in the interests of the greater community of this wonderful Fremantle I now call home.