Push for major works at Fremantle’s Arthur Head

ARTHUR Head is set to have major works take place.

After a significant rock fall from Arthur Head earlier this month, The City of Fremantle’s Finance, Policy, Operations and Legislation Committee passed the motion for remediation works, which will go to an upcoming full council meeting for a final decision.

A report tabled at the committee meeting stated the condition of the cliff faces and manmade walls at Arthur Head Reserve were found to range from poor to good.

Repairs would include demolishing and rebuilding unstable areas of existing retaining walls, new tunnel portal and rockfall canopy and repairs to existing masonry walls.

“The recommended remediation for different areas varies from minor works such as removal of vegetation and repairs such as re-pointing of existing masonry walls through to major works including the extension of the Whaler’s Tunnel portal in areas where there is significant potential for collapse and risk of harm to visitors,” the report stated.

The last major conservation works occurred in 2004, with minimal maintenance.

The conservation and remediation works are estimated to cost between $500,000 to $1m.

A Fremantle spokesperson said the only known major rock fall around the area had been on Tuesday, April 2.

“The area where the rock fall occurred has been fenced off to ensure public safety,” he said.

“There are, however, regular minor occurrences of small stones dropping in a number of locations in the area.

“The timeframe for works to remediate the cliffs and other areas at Arthur Head is dependent upon when and if the City receives funding from the state and federal governments.

“Given Arthur Head and the Round House is an area of state and national heritage significance, and there is a risk to public safety, the City would expect both the state and federal governments to make a contribution to these important conservation works.”