FAQs
- Priority 1 – Dog Beach amenities: new toilets and change rooms, outdoor showers, drinking fountain, seating, bike racks, accessible paths, improved beach access and coastal planting.
- Priority 2 – Picnic area: accessible picnic seating, BBQs, bike racks, connecting paths and additional landscape improvements.
- one Universal Accessible Toilet (UAT), including baby change facilities
- one ambulant toilet
- two private dry change rooms
- an external handwashing basin.
What is being proposed?
The project is looking at improvements to the South Beach Dog Beach area, including new toilets and dry change facilities, outdoor showers, drinking water, seating, bike parking, accessible paths, improved beach access and additional coastal planting.
What is the South Beach Place Plan and how does it relate to this project?
The South Beach Place Plan sets the overall direction for projects and improvements across South Beach. It was developed through extensive community engagement in 2021 and 2022 and endorsed by the Community and Council in 2023.
The Place Plan helps ensure new works respond to the character of South Beach and what the community values about the place. For the Dog Beach, this means keeping improvements simple, practical and low-key, protecting the existing landscape character and avoiding an overly urban or highly designed response.
How is the project funded?
The South Beach Dog Beach upgrades are supported by funding from the Australian Government through the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program (MLCIP).
The funding is specifically for improvements to the Dog Beach, including essential infrastructure, accessible toilet and change facilities, improved beach access, paths, public amenities and landscape improvements.
The project is being delivered by the City of Fremantle in accordance with the grant requirements and the South Beach Place Plan.
What are the priority areas?
The project has two main priority areas:
The immediate focus is on getting the essential Dog Beach amenities and access right first, with the picnic area as the second priority.
Why are these improvements needed?
The Dog Beach is a very popular and increasingly well-used part of South Beach. The project aims to improve accessibility, amenity and day-to-day use while responding to issues such as ageing facilities, limited beach access, sand build-up and pressure on lawn and landscaped areas.
Will access to the beach be improved?
Yes. Improving access between the main Dog Beach area and the beach is an important part of the project, including better accessible connections where possible.
How will accessibility be improved?
Improving universal access is a key objective of the project. The design is looking at accessible paths through the site, improved connections between the car park, facilities and Dog Beach, accessible toilet facilities, and better access towards the beach where site conditions allow.
What will the new toilet and change facilities include?
The current proposal includes:
The facilities will be unisex and designed to support a wide range of users, including people with disability and families.
Will there be showers?
Yes. Three outdoor showers are proposed as part of the project. Their location and design will consider drainage, sand build-up and ease of maintenance.
Will the Dog Beach still feel like South Beach?
Yes. The South Beach Place Plan guides the project. The design will aim to remain simple, relaxed and low-key, using robust materials, retaining established landscape character and avoiding an overly urban response.
Will existing trees and lawn be retained?
Existing trees and lawn will be retained wherever practical. The project is also looking at opportunities for additional trees and coastal planting, while responding to areas where heavy use is affecting lawn and vegetation.
What is happening with seating and picnic facilities?
Informal seating is proposed around the Dog Beach, including opportunities for seating beneath existing trees and integrated with the landscape. A separate picnic area with accessible seating and other facilities is also being considered.
Are changes proposed to the car park?
The adjoining car park is not owned by the City and is outside the main scope of this project. The City will consider how the project connects safely and conveniently with the existing parking area.
Are BBQs proposed?
BBQs are being considered as part of the picnic area. The City will consider their suitability carefully given the high number of dogs using the area and ongoing management requirements.
Are you removing the existing shelter?
Yes. The existing shelter is proposed to be removed as part of the Dog Beach upgrades. We are seeking community feedback on whether a replacement shelter is needed. A new shelter is currently not in the scope and would be subject to funding.
Will the project remove existing trees?
There are currently no trees identified for removal, with protecting and retaining existing trees a key priority throughout the project. The design will continue to be developed to avoid impacts on existing trees wherever possible, with services, paths and new facilities carefully located to minimise impacts on established trees and their root zones.
The design is also looking at how lawn, coastal planting and heavily used areas can be better managed to create a more resilient landscape.
When will the project be built?
The project is currently in the planning, design and engagement stage. Feedback from the community will help inform the next stage of design before the project progresses through approvals and delivery at the end of 2028.