Night-Time Curfew Proposal for Mindarie Marina Boardwalk Set for Rejection
A proposal to impose a night-time curfew on the public boardwalk at Mindarie Marina appears poised for rejection by the City of Wanneroo, despite ongoing claims of disruptive and dangerous behavior in the area. The plan, which aimed to enhance safety and security, has sparked significant debate among residents and stakeholders.
Background of the Proposal
The City of Wanneroo had been considering closing the boardwalk and jetty located at the south-west corner of the marina during nighttime hours. The proposed closure would have been in effect from 10pm to 5am in summer and 8pm to 5am in winter. This initiative followed a petition submitted in June 2025, signed by 20 residents, who argued that the closure was necessary to address persistent and escalating crime and antisocial behavior on the boardwalk.
Residents supporting the closure reported issues such as noise, vandalism, late-night disturbances, trespassing, and even alleged threats. One submission highlighted, "For more than five years, residents living adjacent to this public boardwalk/jetty have endured an alarming and ongoing pattern of disruptive and dangerous behavior, particularly during night-time hours." They also noted that a pedestrian pathway next to the breakwall provides a safe alternative for movement around the marina.
Community Consultation Outcomes
However, the city is recommending against implementing the closure based on the results of community consultation conducted earlier this year. Of the submissions received, 49 were in favor of the closure, while 87 opposed it, indicating a clear majority against the proposal.
Opponents emphasized that the boardwalk is a public facility and argued that residents were aware of this when they purchased or rented properties in the area. They also expressed concerns that closing the boardwalk would merely shift antisocial behavior to other locations. One submission from a wheelchair user's family stated, "My mother is a wheelchair user and we frequent the boardwalk as part of a greater loop walk... often at night and in all weather. This walk provides a significant amount of wellness value for my mother and I, and the option to walk there anytime of the day or night is very important to us."
Technical and Financial Considerations
In a report, City of Wanneroo officers found that a night-time closure was technically feasible through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. However, they noted that implementation was not recommended due to the majority opposition. The estimated cost for additional fencing and automated gates was around $50,000, excluding ongoing maintenance. Officers also pointed out that while automatic gates could be installed, they might be bypassed without supplementary barriers.
The report further stated, "Many submissions reiterated that this was a public area, provided an accessible route to view the marina activities and that more enforcement was needed, as if implemented, the closure will likely move the antisocial activity elsewhere."
Broader Context and Next Steps
This boardwalk closure petition was one of three received by the City of Wanneroo concerning antisocial behavior at Mindarie Marina. The other petitions included a request to ban fishing, which was rejected by the council, and a swimming ban, which is already prohibited in most marina areas.
The recommendation to reject the boardwalk closure proposal was discussed at a recent agenda briefing, with the council expected to vote on the matter at its meeting on Tuesday, March 24. This decision reflects the city's commitment to balancing public safety with community input and accessibility concerns.
