Josh Wilson (Fremantle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am fortunate to represent a community in which local government is focused on creating urban centres that prioritise liveability, sustainability and transport-oriented and affordable housing. I have spoken before about the flourishing precinct at Cockburn Central. I also want to acknowledge the work that the town of East Fremantle has done to revamp its town centre, and I applaud East Freo council's effort to engage collaboratively, but firmly, with Defence on the sale and redevelopment of the Leeuwin Barracks site.

In the City of Fremantle, there's been a huge effort since 2009 to bring economic and social revitalisation into the heart of the city while protecting its distinctive character. Two recent milestones show this balanced effort. At the end of May, the very substantial restoration of the Fremantle Town Hall was unveiled—a long-awaited and wonderful piece of work. This adds to an unprecedented level of heritage conservation investment since 2009, including some key projects that occurred with the support of the former Labor government. In that time, we've seen major restoration work to the Hilton Community Centre, the Princess May building, the Fremantle Markets, the old Fremantle Boys School, the Fremantle Arts Centre and the Bathers Bay precinct.

The other milestone marking the creation of new development in the CBD was the sod-turning for the Kings Square project. This transformational joint venture will bring 1,500 new government workers to the CBD and create street-level retail, entertainment and public realm improvements. I've no doubt it will be the catalyst of profound renewal in the heart of Fremantle.

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