SOUTH MOLE will reopen to vehicles this weekend after a rowdy rave held by a group of illegal campers triggered a six-month closure. 

In March, the Herald reported that a group of “mostly visiting backpackers” in vans had set up camp and held a rave, which resulted in rubbish, graffiti, and parking issues on the mole. 

It was the last straw for operator Fremantle Ports, who subsequently restricted access to cyclists and pedestrians. 

Following an official feedback process and complaints by local fishers, vehicles will once again have full access. 

Fremantle Ports communications and community manager Neil Stanbury says there were “many views expressed” in the feedback process which highlighted that “most people favoured being able to drive” on the mole. 

“Since then, we’ve made a number of changes on South Mole to prevent a re-occurrence of the illegal camping and anti-social behaviour which led to the original closure to vehicles,” Mr Stanbury said. 

“Our objective is a South Mole that’s safe for all who enjoy it. 

“To achieve that, there will be more regular patrols every day, clearer signage and new ticket machines so we can better manage parking breaches.” 

According to Mr Stanbury, the Mole will still offer three hours of free parking and a subsequent $3 per hour charge, but the Ports have committed to crack down on campers and vans using the site. 

“Illegal campers can expect to have their vehicles towed,” he said. 

Parking bays have also been refreshed since the closure, as well as the introduction of two ACROD bays to increase accessibility. 

The toilets, which were allegedly trashed in the rave back in March, have also received maintenance. 

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER