'Fremantle Union' to underpin port city's economic revitalisation strategy

The City of Fremantle last night announced the establishment of the ‘Fremantle Union’ – a significant partnership with four government agencies with planning responsibilities within and adjacent to the Fremantle Commercial Business District.

The union − comprising the City of Fremantle, Western Australian Planning Commission, Department of Planning, Fremantle Port Authority, Department of Transport and Public Transport Authority – has been established to provide an efficient, non–bureaucratic vehicle for facilitating the delivery of aspects of the City’s economic development strategy, leading to Fremantle reclaiming the title of Perth’s second city. A key role for the Fremantle Union will be to support the development of a structure plan for the Fremantle commercial business district and surrounds.

The announcement, by Fremantle Mayor Dr Brad Pettitt, was made during his presentation at the City’s inaugural strategic imperatives presentation and dinner, an event showcasing the significant steps being undertaken by the City to facilitate the revitalisation of Fremantle.
The nine–member Fremantle Union board will be chaired by prominent Fremantle resident, Stuart Hicks.

“The City initiated the first discussions on the creation of the union in June and rapid progress has been made since then. I thank all parties involved for their enthusiasm in taking what was initially just a good idea and making it a reality in such a short time-frame,” Dr Pettitt said.

Dr Pettitt said the Fremantle Union was established to enable each partner to participate in the resolution of longstanding planning challenges in Fremantle: “We make no secret of the fact that as a council we are committed to establishing Fremantle as a primary centre and for Fremantle to again be recognised as Perth’s second city. The Fremantle Union will aid in this process and will ensure direct lines of communication between the City and the key state government agencies,” he added.

Fremantle Union chairperson, Mr Stuart Hicks, said the level of collaboration arising from the Fremantle Union would provide the opportunity to resolve longstanding planning challenges and provide a solid platform for converting plans into actions. “This is a logical next step in Fremantle’s revitalisation efforts and is centred on the need for a collaborative approach to planning,” said Mr Hicks.

Fremantle Commercial Business District and surrounds structure plan

An important function of the Fremantle Union will be supporting the development of a structure plan for the Fremantle Commercial Business District and surrounds. The structure plan will provide a sound foundation for guiding major future development opportunities in Fremantle.

The structure plan will lead to a shared vision for future development in Fremantle.

Governance

The board of the Fremantle Union will comprise:

• Mr Stuart Hicks, Independent Chair
• Dr Brad Pettitt, Mayor, City of Fremantle
• Cr Andrew Sullivan, City of Fremantle
• Cr Josh Wilson, City of Fremantle
• Graeme Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, City of Fremantle
• Gary Prattley, Chairperson, Western Australian Planning Commission
• Eric Lumsden, Director General, Department of Planning
• Reece Waldock, Director general, Department of Transport
• Chris Leatt-Hayter, Chief Executive Officer, Fremantle Port Authority

Community reference group

A community reference group will also be established as a way of engaging with the Fremantle community on the activities of the union. The reference group is proposed to include representatives from local business and industry groups, community organisations, residents and the media.

City of Fremantle Chief Executive Officer, Mr Graeme Mackenzie, said he was looking forward to working together with the Fremantle Union and the community reference group to ensure Fremantle’s standing as one of the great port cities of the world.

“This is a fantastic initiative and will not only help to generate great economic outcomes for Fremantle, but will also enable the community to be part of the exciting projects being encouraged by the council,” he said. “The council has a vision – and now through the Fremantle Union we have the support to achieve the vision,” added Mr Mackenzie.

The formation of the Fremantle Union forms part of the Fremantle economic development strategy 2011–15.

2011 strategic imperatives presentation and dinner a success

Over 70 guests attended the 2011 strategic imperatives presentation and dinner at the Maritime Museum Function Room last Thursday 18 August. The presentation highlighted the significant steps being taken by the City to facilitate the revitalisation of the Fremantle commercial business district, steps to establish Fremantle as a primary centre and restoring Fremantle as Perth’s second city.

The City also announced the establishment of the ‘Fremantle Union’ – a significant partnership with four government agencies with planning responsibilities within and adjacent to the Fremantle Commercial Business District.

A copy of the DVD 'city central' played during last week’s presentation can be viewed on the homepage of the City’s website under ‘videos’ or on the City's youtube channel.