Cherished land-based fishing spot South Mole in Fremantle is now open to foot-traffic only after having been closed in mid-March.
Recfishwest has requested Fremantle Ports restore vehicle access to South Mole and we strongly encourage all fishers to complete the survey from Fremantle Ports telling them the same thing.
CLICK HERE TO TAKE FREMANTLE PORTS SURVEY ON SOUTH MOLE ACCESS.
Fremantle Port’s decision to close South Mole for seven weeks was sparked by illegal camping, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
As one of the safest, most accessible and popular Metro land-based fishing spots, many fishers across multiple ages and abilities are concerned the current vehicle closure could become permanent.
That is why Recfishwest is encouraging all fishers who have a strong attachment to South Mole to provide their feedback to Fremantle Ports before their survey closes on 6 June. Together we can make a strong case for vehicle access to South Mole to be restored.
Numerous fishers have expressed their disappointment to Recfishwest about the loss of vehicle access, with senior fisher Graeme French – one of many passionate South Mole fishers – now worried about where he and his mates can fish comfortably.
“I’m 70-years-old with mobility issues and South Mole was one place where I can easily get out of my car and fish. It’s good for my physical and mental health and I meet up regularly with old fishers there to swap stories, it’s a bit like a Men’s Shed for fishermen,” said Graeme.
“There are limited fishing options for people with disabilities. I have not seen any of my friends at South Mole since the (vehicle) closure, which has affected my mental health and I suspect theirs to some degree.”
Recfishwest Operations Manager Leyland Campbell commented, “South Mole offers great fishing for a range of popular species for fishers of all ages and abilities – now fishers are missing out because of the actions of some illegal campers.
“Maintaining vehicle access for less able-bodied fishers such as the elderly or people with disabilities to the Mole is extremely important. Fishers should have the right to drive with their fishing gear and park alongside their fishing spot on the mole and wet a line with ease.”
A strong connection to South Mole
South Mole has been a great spot to catch squid off the weed banks, bait-cast for tailor, burley up for herring and gardies or soak a bait for pink snapper for decades.
Since numerous parking tickets didn’t persuade campers to vacate South Mole, Recfishwest asked Fremantle Ports Communications Manager Neil Stanbury if more vigilant patrols of the area or towing away campers’ cars could be a more substantial deterrent.
“Let’s see what the public say. We certainly want the public to continue enjoying South Mole as they’ve done for decades, but Fremantle Ports also has to find a solution to the illegal camping and anti-social behaviour happening there,” said Neil.
Recfishwest’s partners in Fishability – who provide fishing services for people with disabilities – have been negotiating with Fremantle Ports to install platforms on South Mole to cater for more fishers with disabilities with Recfishwest supporting this initiative.
“North Mole currently possesses a disability platform and vehicle access and South Mole should be given the same amenities to better accommodate these fishers. We encourage all fishers to ask for this in their submissions and we’ll keep you posted on updates,” added Leyland.
