Hundreds of concerned residents and water-user groups gathered at Matilda Bay on Sunday to voice their opposition to a proposed ferry terminal, creating renewed tension over the State Government's $107 million public transport expansion.
The protest, organized by community group Safety on Swan, drew significant numbers though fell short of the thousands organizers had hoped would attend. The demonstration highlights ongoing community division about the chosen location for the new ferry stop.
Environmental Concerns Clash with Development Plans
The Matilda Bay stop forms part of the State Government's ambitious Metronet on Swan expansion, which also includes a new ferry terminal at Applecross and connected services to Elizabeth Quay. Critics argue the chosen location threatens water safety and could displace marine life.
Despite the Environmental Protection Authority recently concluding that any risks could be mitigated without formal assessment, protesters remain unconvinced. The EPA had previously flagged potential impacts to marine fauna from seagrass clearing, but chair Darren Walsh stated construction impacts would be "localised, of short duration" and operational impacts "likely to be small in extent."
Alternative Site Proposal Rejected
Protesters continue advocating for relocating the terminal approximately 1km to Jojo's Jetty at Pelican Point, citing existing infrastructure and a free CAT bus connection to UWA and QEII. However, Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti has firmly ruled out this alternative, citing environmental concerns.
"JoJo's is adjacent to the Swan Estuary Marine Park, a Bush Forever site, and an internationally protected migratory bird habitat," Ms Saffioti wrote in a Facebook post published during Sunday's protest.
Safety on Swan spokesperson Megan Bagworth described the Deputy Premier's comparison between the ferry terminal and existing private boat moorings as "bizarre." She emphasized that 34 private moorings currently occupying the site pale in comparison to the impact of a "140m four-berth terminal in the heart of the bay."
Political Reactions and Community Sentiment
The protest follows the EPA's approval and has drawn political attention, with Liberal Member for Nedlands Jonathan Huston expressing disappointment. He noted that 257 out of 293 submissions (87%) had requested a public environmental review.
Ms Saffioti questioned the consistency of protesters' concerns, pointing out they haven't raised issues about private boat users in the bay. "Clearly, there are those who support private boat users in the area but can't stand the thought of public transport in this waterway," she wrote.
Ms Bagworth countered that Matilda Bay represents the type of active public space cities worldwide strive to preserve. "Policy developers are prioritising the preservation of active public open spaces like Matilda Bay that encourages children to play and explore," she said.
As the State Government moves forward with its Metronet expansion, the Matilda Bay ferry terminal controversy highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing public infrastructure development with community expectations and environmental protection in Perth's prized waterways.
