To address the rumors that have been swirling through our local online communities, we want to set the record straight regarding the recent activity at the Esplanade Reserve. It has come to our attention that some citizens believe the City of Fremantle has cut down a healthy Norfolk pine during the demolition of the old Carriage Café. We understand why seeing a stump where part of the café stood might be alarming, especially given how much we all value the greenery that defines our beautiful coastal landscape. However, we want to offer full transparency: this claim is entirely false.
The truth of the matter is that every single healthy Norfolk pine surrounding the former site of the Carriage Café has been carefully preserved. When we planned the removal of the café structure, the protection of our existing trees was a top priority, and we have successfully adhered to that commitment. The trees remain standing, healthy, and untouched, standing as silent witnesses to the park’s long history just as they always have. We want to reassure the public that we recognize these pines as an essential part of Fremantle’s heritage and our commitment to maintaining the natural beauty of the reserve remains unwavering.
Regarding the stump that residents have spotted, it is important to clarify its origin to clear up any lingering confusion. That particular piece of wood was not a living tree, but rather a remnant of an old tree that was cut back several years ago, long before the café demolition project even began. In fact, that specific stump had been integrated into the café’s structure itself, serving as a decorative or functional element of the building’s footprint. Because it was physically part of the café structure, it was removed alongside the café, and it had not been a living, growing tree for a significant amount of time.
It is easy to see how a quick glance at the demolition site could lead to a misunderstanding, especially in an age where information—and misinformation—travels rapidly across social media platforms. We know that our community is deeply invested in the Esplanade Reserve, and the fact that so many people were concerned about the fate of a pine tree is actually a testament to the strong environmental values we share as residents of Fremantle. We appreciate that passion, even when it is sparked by an incorrect assumption, because it shows that you are watching over our public spaces with a protective eye.
We would like to encourage anyone who has questions or concerns about current or future works within the City to reach out to us directly. Relying on verified information ensures that we can keep the lines of communication open and prevent unnecessary anxiety about the state of our shared urban environment. Misinformation can often cloud the hard work being done to improve our public amenities, and we want to ensure you have the most accurate details available. Our team is always ready to talk through our processes and explain the reasoning behind our site management decisions.
If you ever find yourself wondering about the status of a project, the health of our parklands, or the truth behind a rumor you’ve read online, please do not hesitate to contact the City of Fremantle at 1300 693 736. Our staff members are here to provide clarity and answer your questions directly at the source. Thank you for your continued patience, your vigilance regarding our local heritage, and your commitment to helping us look after the unique character of our historic city. We look forward to continuing our work to keep the Esplanade Reserve a vibrant, green, and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.