FREMANTLE’S new mayor’s tenure has gotten off to a shaky start after the Chamber of Commerce voiced concerns about “factually incorrect” statements.
In communication with the Chook this week, Chamber CEO Chrissie Maus says a couple of quotes from Mr Lawver in last week’s Herald, which spoke of a desire to make a “comprehensive wish list” for the Traffic Bridge closure from the Cook government, had “generated unnecessary confusion”.
Proactive
“This statement implies the City and the Chamber are only now preparing a wish list for the state government; in reality this work began jointly over eighteen months ago,” Ms Maus said.
“The recent wins with the state were delivered through our collective and proactive advocacy in partnership.
“Suggesting otherwise mischaracterises the strategic approach we have consistently taken together.”
Ms Maus was keen to correct another statement by Mr Lawver which claimed the Westport decision “only involves containers, and [Fremantle gets] left with livestock, ro-ro, and bulk trades”.
“These remarks reference an undefined initiative and the use of “we” implies a Council position… the statement is also factually incorrect and/or at least misleading and has misinformed the public,” Ms Maus said.
“While the Westport Program’s current scope is to relocate container trade from Fremantle to Kwinana, the future of non-container trades, including ro-ro, bulk, and livestock is still under consideration by the Department of Transport.
“It is therefore inaccurate to present these as a ‘fixed outcome’, [and] we continue to advocate for full industry consultation and an outcome that supports all sectors.”
Ms Maus says she’s “urgently requested” the City of Fremantle to “add further safeguards to uphold the integrity” of its communications, so messaging “remains accurate and aligned” between the City and the Chamber.
“We value our partnership with the City and are keen to ensure the narrative reflects the genuine collaboration at play,” she said.
“When our messaging is aligned everyone wins.
“When it drifts we all look like we missed rehearsal.”
by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER