‘Shame!’: Matilda Bay protesters turn up at Parliament House to fight ferry terminal

Detailed summary

Three times the expected crowd descended on the steps of Parliament House this afternoon, delivering a powerful message to the State Government over its controversial plans for a…

Three times the expected crowd descended on the steps of Parliament House this afternoon, delivering a powerful message to the State Government over its controversial plans for a ferry terminal at Matilda Bay.

Chants of “shame” rang out as crowds of protesters gathered at 12.30pm, calling on Premier Roger Cook to rethink the proposed terminal location and consider moving it to an existing jetty at JoJo’s in Nedlands.

But the crowd were left waiting for a response, with neither Mr Cook or Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti coming out to address protesters.

The rally bought together conservation groups, water sports organisations, UWA graduates and MPs, all united in their opposition of the proposed four-berth terminal.

Tape was laid out on the ground outlining the size of the 24-metre long 64-tonne vessel that would use the terminal.

The campaign is not opposed to Perth’s new ferry service, but wants the terminal to be relocated away from next to a Class A reserve.

State Government plans include a terminal that will reach about 150 metres into Matilda Bay, with a charging hub servicing the network.

The Government is also seeking speed exemptions of three times the current on-water speed limit in the area.

Campaign spokesperson Megan Bagworth said the decision needed to be reconsidered before irreversible damage was done to the river and the surrounding environment.

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