CARMEN LAWRENCE will speak at a public meeting that’s been called to challenge the boundaries of the proposed heritage listing of Fremantle’s West End.

The former WA Labor premier and federal Fremantle MP now chairs the Australian Heritage Council. The Fremantle Society-organised meeting is 7pm, Thursday February 11 at Kidogo Arthouse, Bathers Beach.

“The area put forward by the current council does not protect the original layout of the historic town which is part of its heritage and significance,” society president John Dowson says.

“Heritage listing by the State Heritage Office gives recognition to places and allows more places to apply for a grant from a meagre pool of money available.”

The WA heritage council has recommended the listing start at Market Street, based on a recommendation by the Fremantle council, but the society wants to rope Kings Square, Arthur Head and the train station into the protected precinct.

Mayor Brad Pettitt challenges Mr Dowson’s claim the council is ignoring its own expert committee by recommending the smaller area. Dr Pettitt says the area put forward was the final recommendation of the West End Working Group.

The working group had been angling for the larger listing when Mr Dowson, a former deputy mayor, and former council heritage architect Agnieshka Kiera were members, but Mr Dowson was not reappointed when the committee was reformed and Ms Kiera resigned, apparently unhappy at the council’s direction, before the final boundaries recommendation was made.

by STEVE GRANT