Any suggestions about how best to lobby the various authorities. Would it be best through Recfishwest? Could we as Fishwrecked submit our own suggestions?

Australian Anglers Association, (WA Division) Inc.

4 February 2004



Mrs Kerry Sanderson, Chief Executive Officer, Fremantle Port Authority, PO Box 95, Fremantle WA 6959



Dear Mrs Sanderson,



Repairs to North Mole and Improvements for Fishing.



We have recently seen the "North Mole Update" on the Fremantle Ports website which says work will take several more months before the Mole can be reopened to recreational fishing.



Recreational anglers have waited for the reopening of the North Mole for fishing since the damage caused by storms starting in May 2003, and are disappointed at the further delays.



In a recent telephone conversation with Mr Tim Walton, he told me that extensive repairs will be required to the structure of the Mole in some places.



We appreciate that the main purpose of the Mole is as a protective breakwater. However, over the years, the North Mole has become a very important recreational fishing platform used by many people. Even before the storm damage, many of the rocks at suitable heights above the water were not flat and did not provide comfortable places to stand and fish and place fishing gear.



During the major work we understand will be required in the next few months, there is an opportunity for the Mole to be significantly improved as a place to go fishing with minimal, if any, extra cost to the Port Authority.



This can be simply achieved by the placement of some suitable rocks to provide some more level places for people to stand and fish. This can be done as part of the work to repair some of the structure of the Mole, and/or using the equipment likely to be available on the Mole for the repair work.



All that is required are some rocks with horizontal top surfaces placed every few metres along the Mole and at varying heights above the water level to fill in some of the gaps between the existing granite rocks. This would be a great improvement compared to the situation which existed even before the storm damage.



Limestone rocks are preferred for these "fill in" rocks because they provide safe, non-slip surfaces for standing, even when wet. We understand that limestone rocks are not as durable as granite rocks, but this should not be significant if only used as "fill in" rocks as suggested.



Examples of the good surfaces for fishing include the part of the South Mole upgrade in recent years, and many rocks on the Hillarys Boat Harbour north and south walls.



The priority areas for this improvement work are from the disabled platform to the end on the north side and the south side from the end to the opening to the Ferry area, which are the most popular areas for fishing on the main part of the Mole.



If possible, improvements to the north facing wall near the kiosk at the base of the Mole, and the area between the parking area east of the helipad and the disabled platform on the north side would also be appreciated by recreational anglers.



We would be happy to provide some more advice about the requirements and priorities, and to assist with publicity of the Port Authority's work on this among recreational anglers and clubs.



This initiative will fit well with Fremantle Port's publicity on the website, including the Corporate Value to care for the community and the environment, making a positive difference to the community in which it operates, working with the community on issues of mutual interest, the sponsorship program supporting community priorities, and contributing to the community.



Yours sincerely, Terry Fuller, Secretary, Australian Anglers Association (WA Div) Inc.

17 February 2004



Mr Terry Fuller, Secretary, Australian Anglers Association (WA Division) Inc., PO Box 2200, MARMION WA 6020



Dear Mr Fuller



Thank you for your recent letter concerning suggested improvements to recreational fishing opportunities at the North Mole seawall.



I'm pleased to advise that the contract for works to the North Mole will be signed shortly and we expect the work to be completed eight weeks after commencement.



Although the design document for the works makes up part of the contracting process and therefore does not permit modifications to the design. I have passed your suggestions on to the project manager. He has assured me that wherever possible rocks will be placed in such a way that they provide more horizontal surfaces.



Fremantle Ports recognises that recreational fishing opportunities along the metropolitan coast are limited and the North Mole is an important fishing spot for many in the community. As such we intend maintaining access to area for fishers in the long term. However, we must also ensure that it is maintained in a safe condition.



Please be assured that the area will not remain closed any longer than necessary and that we will be widely publicising its reopening.



Mr Fuller, thank you again for your suggestions and I hope that North Mole will continue to meet the needs of local fishers for the years to come.



Yours faithfully,



Kerry Sanderson, Chief Executive Officer, Fremantle Ports.

Preparations for Inner Harbour Deepening and Berth Works Project

Fremantle Ports' Inner Harbour Deepening and Berth Works Project involves deepening of the harbour and shipping channels and completion of Rous Head reclamation works.

The project is essential to enable the bigger deeper draft container vessels now entering the Australian trade routes to call at Fremantle at full cargo capacity. The average size of container shipping in Fremantle has increased by about 85 per cent in the past 15 years, and being able to accommodate bigger ships is vital for the port's operational efficiency, for importers and exporters and the community.

To prepare for the Inner Harbour Deepening and Berth Works Project, work will begin in June to establish construction access routes and storage areas for the proposed works.

The preparatory work involves reclaiming a 20m-wide strip of land parallel to a section of Rudderham Drive. These works involve construction of 240m of seawall to contain the reclamation comprising stockpiled, dredged material and clean fill.

Environmental controls during the works will include dust management and use of geotextile lining to contain sediment plumes and small rocks.

Dunng the work, part of the unpaved limestone area west of Rudderham Drive, as well as an area behind the Rous Head Cafe, will be fenced.

The Fremantle Ports paved area on the corner of Rudderham Drive and North Mole Drive will be kept open for truck use at all times.

The area within the fence will not be available for public access from June 2009 onwards. However alternative fishing spots will continue to be available further along North Mole.

Every effort will be made to minimise impacts on port users and the community throughout this project and there will be regular updates as the work is progressed.

Thiess Georgiou Joint Venture is undertaking the preparatory works for the Inner Harbour Deepening and Berth Works Project.

See reverse side for map.

For more information: Telephone:   9430 3555 or 0437 805 062 Email:   Visit: www.fremantleports.com.au

I thought they had a 10 year end life on the port? Collin Barnet made mention the port was shifting to Cockburn sound?