In a great result for metro fishers, Recfishwest is delighted to announce that Fremantle Ports is to reopen vehicle access to South Mole in the coming weeks.
The cherished land-based fishing spot has only been accessible on foot for the past few months with Fremantle Ports’ decision to ban vehicle access to South Mole sparked by illegal camping, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
There were growing concerns from metro fishers – particularly senior fishers and those with mobility issues – that the vehicle closure could become permanent. As one of the safest, most accessible and popular land-based metro fishing locations, the vehicle closure meant walking hundreds of metres while carrying gear to favourite fishing spots from the base of South Mole, inadvertently excluding many fishers with mobility issues.
However, there was a fantastic response from hundreds of local fishers who responded to our call to have their say in Fremantle Ports’ online survey on the issue. To its credit, the port authority has taken on board the feedback from more than 800 survey responses and recognised the importance of South Mole’s fishing access for people of all ages and abilities fishing for much-loved species like pink snapper, herring, skippy and squid.
Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said, “This is a great win for fishers and the port authority’s decision shows that when united, our collective voice can ensure positive outcomes that protect the social, mental and physical wellbeing benefits of fishing.”
Listen to what else Andrew had to say in this video.
Fremantle Ports has said vehicles will be allowed back once works are completed to prevent illegal camping, which will include implementing parking machines with the first three hours of parking free of charge as was previously the case on the mole. According to a recent Perth Now article, Fremantle Ports are hoping to restore vehicle access in August.
Andrew added, “While this is a great outcome, it won’t be our last battle that requires metro fishers to unite and have their say, with industrialisation developments in Cockburn Sound and the Marmion Marine Park proposals on the horizon.
“We urge you to have the chat with your friends and family on issues at hand and keep an eye on our media platforms for updates on what could impact your fishing experiences or access in the future.”
