Date 30 September 2026 Category Media release Topic Parks and public open spaces Fremantle Council will proceed with the construction of a junior oval at Hilton Park as part of stage one of the precinct’s redevelopment. Fremantle Council will proceed with the construction of a junior oval at Hilton Park as part of stage one of the precinct’s redevelopment. The decision was made unanimously (8-0) at a Special Meeting of Council on Tuesday evening. The commencement of the project was paused for seven weeks to allow for further conversations to occur about the master planning process, as a result of concerns raised by the community, and to discuss the design options. The creation of a new junior oval will enable the sporting clubs to expand participation, especially for women and girls. Council also considered the motions carried at the Special Electors’ Meeting on 15 September and asked for a review of the Council Policy ‘Trees on City Owned or Managed Land’ to consider opportunities to further strengthen tree retention on City-led projects and the information and engagement relating to proposed tree removals. Council reaffirmed its support for the continued investigation of shared-use opportunities with schools and asked the CEO report back to Council within a year on opportunities to bring forward the redevelopment of the Lefroy Road quarry site, Swanbourne Street and South Fremantle landfill site for future community use. Each Councillor explained their reasons for supporting the officer’s recommendation to continue with the redevelopment of the northern part of Hilton Park, including the construction of a junior oval. Councillor Andrew Sullivan said this was a rare situation for Council to find itself in. “In the entire amount of works I’ve been involved in, it’s always been about [protecting] bushland, coastal dunes, etc. and this is the first time I’ve been asked to re-support an active recreational oval.” Deputy Mayor Fedele Camarda said the debate had presented valid points of view, and the decision wasn’t taken lightly by anyone on Council. “I feel that this process has been a thorough one. Our sporting facilities in Fremantle are crying out for upgrades and we’ve lost a lot of clubs from our community partially because of this. But when we do these developments, it’s vital that the ecological value is improved. On balance, I believe this is the right decision because, in time, I honestly believe that it delivers on the concerns of both sides of this argument.” Councillor Pip Slaughter said she appreciated that the project was paused to allow for further conversations. “Yes, we are listening. We have heard, and the City has provided more information to the public than ever before. We as a Council do appreciate urban canopy, but the City needs facilities to be able to move, grow and adapt to our changing population.” Councillor Jemima Williamson-Wong said this situation was a reminder that she, too, was driven by environmental issues but that she could not stand in the way of opportunities for female participation in sport. “I do believe that the consultation process has been thorough, because in the past few months the design and project has been tested again. When concerns were raised, we paused works, that has allowed us to listen, engage and complete further investigations to really test whether we did get it right in 2024.” Councillor Frank Mofflin said the removal of trees for the oval is justified as the net value of canopy is ultimately being increased across the city. He also highlighted the social needs of the community and the City’s responsibility to support the local sporting clubs. “Our sporting clubs are an important part of our community. They have been undergoing a fantastic phase of rejuvenation recently, largely driven by the participation of women and girls in sports that they were marginalised from in the past. Our sporting clubs are now providing that environment of inclusion, building physical and mental wellbeing and social connection that we so greatly need within our community.” Mayor Ben Lawver said the outcome will be better because of the community’s efforts. “If this process results in better consultation going forward, more trees retained in Hilton Park and on City-led projects in the future, continued pursuit of shared use opportunities with local schools and improved efforts from Elected Members and staff with our community, then I consider that a win for our community.” Councillor Ingrid van Dorssen thanked the community for the motions they put forward and the additional reporting from City staff. “I think we all feel more comfortable that we’re making a more informed decision. I do appreciate the views on tree canopy and wanting to retain trees, we share those, but in this instance the benefits of this proposal will outweigh [the retention of these trees]. Councillor Melanie Clark said the plan will significantly improve the ecology and biodiversity of the area. “Mature trees do matter, so it’s understandable that people are upset. But we’re going to plant more than double the number of trees that are being removed, as we should, in line with our own policy. The new trees will be of high ecological value and there will be lots of understorey plantings.” City officers will now work with contractors to prepare the site for the commencement of the works.
