A contentious ferry terminal and jetty project at Perth's iconic Matilda Bay appears headed for official approval next week, even as it faces mounting opposition from local residents and user groups.
Planning Commission Set to Decide
The Western Australian Planning Commission will consider the development application at a public meeting scheduled for 2pm next Thursday at the Bendat Basketball Centre. The proposal forms a key part of the State Government's plan to expand public transport options along the Swan River.
Two new terminals, in Applecross and Matilda Bay, have been recommended for conditional approval. According to documents lodged this week, the Matilda Bay terminal will cost approximately $29.9 million, with construction slated for completion by 2027.
Project Details and Community Impact
The proposed infrastructure includes a jetty extending roughly 140 metres into the water, designed to accommodate up to four ferries. The build will require gangways, pontoons, new public toilets, bus stop facilities, and footpaths.
The construction footprint will necessitate the removal or relocation of 34 registered moorings and the loss of nearly 100 car parking bays in the area.
Overwhelming Public Opposition
The recommendation to proceed has ignited significant backlash, notably from the Royal Perth Yacht Club and the community group Safety on Swan. The group argues the terminal poses risks of injury, environmental damage, and heritage loss.
During the public consultation period, authorities received almost 2000 submissions. Close to 70 per cent were completely opposed to the plan, with many of the remaining submissions supportive only if significant changes were made.
"Public consultation was conducted at UWA, QEII and with local residents. During that period, the overwhelming majority of submissions did not support the proposal," said Safety on Swan spokeswoman Megan Bagworth.
"Most of the feedback... specifically called for relocation. So who exactly is this ferry intended to serve if the public itself does not support a public transport terminal in the heart of Matilda Bay?" she added.
The group is urging Transport Minister Rita Saffioti to review the advice that led to alternative sites, like JoJo's Jetty in Nedlands, being dismissed earlier in the planning process.
Ms Bagworth warned that the project would permanently alter the bay: "This is fixed infrastructure... If this goes ahead as currently proposed, it will not just be a ferry terminal. It will be the beginning of a permanent transformation of one of Perth’s most precious public landscapes."
Minister Responds to Critics
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has hit back at project critics, accusing them of spreading misinformation to scare the public.
"Everyone’s got the right to their own opinion but what I think happens is people don’t tell the truth about projects, and they want to scare people," Ms Saffioti stated.
"Some of the stuff I’ve seen in relation to the ferry stop, where they’ve got AI images of rowing boats being crushed by a ferry, are just completely out of order."
The final decision now rests with the WA Planning Commission, setting the stage for a pivotal meeting that will determine the future of this disputed waterfront site.
