FAQs

The intersection has been identified by both the community and the City as a high-priority location for road safety improvements. The project aims to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, support safer crossing movements, encourage slower vehicle speeds and complement broader road resurfacing works already underway in the area.

This project is part-funded by Main Roads WA via the Metropolitan Regional Road Group (MRRG).

It is the State Government's road funds program to local government agreement which provides funding contributions generally two-third/one-third for local roads that qualify.

The State Government recognises the need for co-operation and coordination between the State Government agencies who have an interest in roads and local government. This program aims to ensure that the most efficient and effective use can be made of the funds available for roads to achieve the best possible outcomes.

A criterion within the program must be met to receive funding for road improvement projects which must have a strategic alignment with state, regional or local planning or transport strategies such as the Perth Metropolitan Transport Strategy and the Public Transport Plan for Perth.

The original funding available for safety improvements in the City's 2025/26 budget was $400,000 with remaining funds to be carried forward into 2026/27. A further allocation of $600,000 has been proposed for the 2026/27 draft budget for South Terrace & Douro Road – Pedestrian Crossing Treatments.

Initial consultation on the City-led works associated with the Metropolitan Regional Road Group funded resurfacing project was undertaken in late 2025. Following community feedback, discussions with Elected Members and recommendations from an independent Road Safety Audit, the concept design was revised and brought back to Council for further consideration. Council resolved to undertake additional community consultation on the updated concept before any final decision is made.

In December 2025 the community conducted an independent project through a local Town Team group using the Town Team Movement’s Streets Alive funding program. 

All Roads Lead to the Roundabout saw additional engagement with residents, visitors, and businesses in the immediate area which was facilitated by local community members. The feedback captured from these efforts was reviewed, and various options to the proposed treatments was considered - including wombat pedestrian crossings - with possible changes to scope, budget, safety to all users, regulatory requirements and Main Roads WA guidelines.

The independent Road Safety Audit identified concerns relating to visibility at the proposed crossings, particularly near the Douro Road approach. Any potential tree removal is being considered to ensure clear sightlines between drivers and pedestrians and to meet Main Roads WA safety requirements. 

If the concept design is implemented, 2 established Norfolk pines may require removal. In addition, there is the potential loss of six additional street trees and vegetation due to sightline requirements. 

Please note: Council does not support the removal of the two large Norfolk Pines on the northern verge on Douro Road near the intersection with Marine Terrace; however, as indicated in the proposed design, the trees may need to be removed subject to final design and MRWA approvals.

If the City determines that a tree on requires removal because of these works, the City will replace the tree with a minimum of two trees as stated in the Council's policy. The community will be updated throughout this process. 

Yes. The current concept design may result in the loss of up to two parking bays on South Terrace to accommodate the proposed crossing and associated sightline and safety requirements.

A zebra crossing is a marked pedestrian crossing on the road surface, identified by painted white stripes and signage. Vehicles are required to give way to pedestrians using the crossing, but the road itself remains at normal road level.

A wombat crossing is essentially a raised zebra crossing. It includes the same marked pedestrian crossing treatment, but the crossing is elevated on a raised safety platform. This design helps:

• Slow vehicle speeds approaching the crossing
• Improve pedestrian visibility
• Create a more accessible crossing point for people using wheelchairs, prams or mobility aids
• Reinforce pedestrian priority in high foot traffic areas

In simple terms:

• Zebra crossing = painted crossing at road level
• Wombat crossing = raised zebra crossing designed for added traffic calming and pedestrian safety

For the South Terrace and Douro Road project, the proposed wombat crossings are intended to both improve pedestrian safety and encourage slower vehicle speeds through the intersection area.

While reducing speed limits can contribute to road safety, it can also lead to driver frustration if not accompanied by appropriate traffic calming measures. Drivers may become frustrated when they perceive speed limits as arbitrarily low and encounter delays in their journeys. This frustration can sometimes lead to non-compliance with speed limits, aggressive driving behaviours, and a negative impact on the overall traffic environment. Therefore, it's essential to implement a comprehensive approach that combines speed limit reductions with well-designed traffic calming measures to effectively address safety concerns while minimising driver frustration.

Context Matters: What works as an appropriate speed limit in one area may not be suitable for another. Speed limits need to be context-specific and consider factors such as road design, land use, traffic volume and pedestrian activity.

City officers will undertake a process of targeted engagement with local businesses and stakeholders in the project area who may be affected by proposed changes to existing parking and wombat crossing locations.

If you are South Fremantle business in or near the project area and would like to discuss the proposed works further, please reach out to the project team at communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au 

The City typically assesses road safety needs through a combination of data analysis and community feedback. They may consider factors such as accident reports, traffic volume, road conditions, and input from residents to determine where safety improvements are most needed. This assessment process helps prioritize projects and allocate resources to areas with the greatest need for improvements.

To raise concerns about road safety on your street, residents can typically:

• Contact the City of Fremantle through their official channels, such as the website or City Admin offices.
• Speak to your Elected Member about your request or issue.
• Attend public meetings, workshops, or engagement sessions hosted by the City.
• Submit feedback and suggestions through designated platforms or public consultations.

Streets across the City of Fremantle are assessed as part of a rolling funding schedule, contingent with annual budget allocations for Infrastructure and Place and Projects programs.

A great way to advocate for traffic calming treatments in your neighbourhood is by voicing your concerns to your local precinct group.

You can learn more and get in contact with your local precinct group by visiting the Precinct Goup page here.

No. Council has endorsed the revised concept design for further community consultation only. All feedback received during this engagement period will be reviewed before a final design is considered by Council.