EAST Fremantle mayoral candidates Jim O’Neill and Cliff Collinson agree on one thing – East Fremantle can be better.
With a slew of developments at key sites such as the East Fremantle Oval, Leeuwin Barracks, former Woodside Hospital and Royal George Hotel in the pipeline, change is inevitable.
And both men agree it needs to be done right.
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READ NOW“The Leeuwin, George and other developments must ensure public consultation and community input,” incumbent mayor Mr O’Neill said.
“They must enhance our community, not detract from it. Changes and building developments will continue because of East Fremantle’s great geographical position and council’s role is to protect residents’ rights to privacy, views.
A current Plympton ward councillor, Mr Collinson labelled the Royal George Hotel as the biggest issue facing the town.
“It is East Fremantle’s most iconic building that residents love and cherish,” he said.
“Residents want it restored to its former glory but high rise is a very high price to pay.
“I believe most will accept some development but not at a height exceeding the hotel itself.”
Mr O’Neill said if re-elected, he would continue to foster and grow East Fremantle’s unique community feel over the next four years.
“I would like the Town to maintain its community feel and keep our important community group and clubs,” he said.
“These are the elements that bind us together. We also need to protect and enhance our environment by minimising waste, sensible management of the river and foreshore, ensuring tree planting and greening continues and promoting safe cycle-ways.”
Mr Collinson said he would prioritise heritage protection.
“I would like protection of all heritage properties and better design outcomes, rather than poorly thought through development,” he said.
“East Fremantle Oval desperately needs development and to be made into a beautiful space for the whole community, as well as good facilities for the Sharks. I am also keen to establish an Aboriginal reconciliation plan and more emphasis in reducing our carbon footprint.”
The local government election is on October 21. To find out more about East Fremantle candidates, visit www.communitynews.com.au/perthvotes.
To hear what Fremantle’s mayoral candidates have to say, read next week’s Fremantle Gazette.
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