East Fremantle Community Urges Council to Address Hazardous Walking Trail
The Town of East Fremantle is under increasing pressure from local residents to take immediate action on a notoriously slippery section of the Niergarup Track, a popular walking trail that has been linked to multiple falls and injuries. Community members have raised alarms about the safety of the incline, describing it as a persistent danger that requires urgent intervention.
Resident Highlights Ongoing Safety Issues
East Fremantle resident Leanna Johnston voiced her concerns at a council meeting on February 17, emphasizing that the "dangerous" northern end of the Niergarup Track on Riverside Road has been a problem for over two years. She reported witnessing numerous incidents where walkers slipped, skidded, or fell on the loose stones along a 10-meter section with an incline of approximately 1.5 meters.
Ms. Johnston first alerted the council to these issues in January 2023, receiving a response that work had been completed on the Merv Cowan end of Riverside Road, with additional efforts planned for the northern end in the next financial year. However, she claims this work was never finished, and she continues to observe "serious" falls weekly, including injuries such as sprained toes, ankles, and knees.
Council Response and Natural Trail Concerns
In response, East Fremantle Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Throssell explained that the Niergarup Track is a natural bushwalking trail, not a constructed footpath, and therefore carries inherent environmental risks. He stated that after a safety inspection, the town concluded the track is performing as expected for its type, with well-compacted areas and some loose sections due to environmental conditions.
Mr. Throssell argued that eliminating these risks would require "fundamentally changing" the natural character of the site, which is considered impractical and disproportionate. Instead, the council has focused on minimal intervention, such as erecting caution signage at the base of the track to warn users about natural surfaces, cliffs, and loose material.
Community Calls for Further Action
Despite the signage, Ms. Johnston and other residents are urging the council to do more, citing the frequency of accidents and the potential for more severe injuries. She emphasized, "I see something happen every single week. It's only a matter of time," highlighting the ongoing risk to community safety.
The Town of East Fremantle has acknowledged safety as a "primary concern" and confirmed that a further review will be undertaken. This decision comes amid growing community frustration over the perceived lack of progress in addressing the hazardous conditions on the trail.
As discussions continue, the balance between preserving natural environments and ensuring public safety remains a key challenge for local authorities in managing outdoor recreational areas.
