Protecting the Heart of Matilda Bay — For Generations to Come

If you wish to directly donate toward the Saving Matilda Bay initiative, please donate via the Official Petition GoFundMe

*Please note that all donations made on Change.org & GoFundMe are used to promote the petition and increase its reach. If you choose to make a donation it doesn't come to me or my office.

For over a century, Matilda Bay has been more than a scenic spot — it’s been the heart of community life on the Swan River. Families picnic here, children learn to sail, and groups like Sailability WA give people with disabilities, including those who are blind or vision-impaired, the chance to experience the water safely.

This stretch of river has long supported water safety, inclusion, and connection — from public school rowing programs to multicultural community gatherings. For generations, it has been a shared space that represents freedom and belonging.

While expanding Perth’s ferry network matters, the proposed MetroNet Ferry terminal inside Matilda Bay raises serious safety and environmental risks. The issue is location. Increased ferry traffic, stronger wake, and reduced access to key sailing and rowing lanes would create hazardous conditions for:

• Young learners who rely on calm, predictable water.
• Para-athletes, including Sailability WA participants in small, vulnerable craft.
• Recreational users, from families to casual paddlers.
• This placement puts small craft directly in conflict with large powered ferries, creating unacceptable risks of collisions and capsizing.

A safer solution exists: move the terminal to Jojo’s.
This location supports public transport growth without compromising safety, accessibility, or the heritage of Matilda Bay.

We’re working with Sailability WA, local schools, and community water sport groups to ensure progress protects people, preserves the environment, and honours Perth’s long connection to the Swan River.

This campaign aims to:

• Secure a safer location at Jojo’s for the MetroNet Ferry terminal.
• Preserve access to one of Perth’s most loved public spaces.
• Protect heritage for future generations.

For updates, visit safetyonswan.com.au.