Simple

THE solution to the tree problem is simple. 

Leave the tree alone and chop down the building. 

It will take 130 years to replace the tree and 130 days to replace the building somewhere else.

Gordon Mac Nish
East Fremantle

It’s beachy

AS one of the original members of Leighton Action Coalition, I would like to thank you for publishing Paul Gamblin’s Thinking Allowed last week and the previous article in the February 2 edition (“LAC: Beaches need a rethink”).

Twenty five years ago community action prevented developments being built too close to the shoreline and reduced the proposed built area from 17 hectare to 4 hectares.

Now we are faced with the prospect of 18 hectares of urban development between Port and Leighton (where the oil tanks used to be).

Rezoning this land from industrial to urban without planning for appropriate setbacks will leave our beaches vulnerable, with inadequate space to replenish and adjust to climate change.

Ominously, the Future of Fremantle scenarios place a heavy reliance on groynes and other hard engineering.

Good planning decisions should not be rushed and must have the interests of the community at its core.

There is an opportunity now to create a wonderful foreshore reserve providing access and amenity for the public, and also a win/win in protecting our coastal habitat.

For more information come along to the information evening 6pm, March 6 at Fremantle Surf Lifesaving Club.

Mary Dixon
Chairperson
Leighton Action Coalition

How low

HOW low has Fremantle heritage sunk.

The High Street fig tree is quite possibly the original fig tree in the city because the house was lived in by the City groundskeeper/gardener. 

This would explain its great size and health, the latter despite being encased in paving and concrete around its base for decades – hardly “looked after”. 

The historical records of the building in the library should confirm that the gardener did indeed live there.

The Cattalini family, supposedly supporters of the city, should reconsider their position, as well as the City who’s record in recent years has been poor decisions on heritage. 

This is certainly a major low point for the city

Michael Willicombe
Former Architecture and
Heritage Officer
City of Fremantle

Great, not late

WE bumped off architect Trevor Saleeba a bit early in last week’s story about the fig tree (“Council in a jam,” Herald, February 24).

We can confirm that Mr Saleeba is definitely great – not late. Sorry Trevor.