Fremantle homeless camp denied water as temperatures rise, along with tensions
WA Today.
January 14, 2021


A tap on the side of a government building more than 70 homeless people were relying on for drinking water at Fremantle's Pioneer Park was removed without warning on Wednesday afternoon.   

The rough sleepers had been using the tap outside Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, across the road from the train station, to drink, wash up and prepare food since the camp was set up on Boxing Day.

Tents have been pitched in Pioneer Park in Fremantle for homeless people.


But on Wednesday evening camp volunteers were shocked to discover the fixture, which had been a source of tension between the theatre and organisers, had been taken off by a plumber.

Camp committee member John Windus, who has since purchased a new tap, said rough sleepers had been without water overnight, adding cutting the supply was inhumane, pernicious and rude.   



Mr Windus said organisers had attempted to discuss ongoing concerns, including the use of the tap, with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre on several occasions but hadn't reached an understanding.

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"It was our only source of running water and that was made quite clear to both Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and the Fremantle council," he said.

"Water is a necessity. I’m suffering from a heat stroke and the temperature is only set to rise, these people [sleeping rough] are enduring the elements outside 24 hours a day, seven days a week."   

Temperatures at the camp reached 30 degrees just after midday on Wednesday, with Bureau of Meteorology records showing readings of up to 28 degrees at 7pm that night.

Fremantle is set for more high summer temperatures in the coming days, with the bureau predicting a maximum of 32 degrees on Friday and 35 degrees on Saturday.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the council had played no part in removing the tap and added he was pleased to see the water was flowing again at the camp on Thursday morning.

A plumber removed the tap on Wednesday.


"They need water. My sense is that while people are sleeping in tents at that location water is an essential service and we are supportive of them," he told WAtoday.

"We think our role is to maintain public health, making sure down there is a safe place for people. Running water is an important part as are toilets, lighting, bins and the like."

Dr Pettitt said the council had brokered a deal with organisers to erect a 1.8-metre fence around the camp and committed to emptying bins and pumping waste from the portaloos every three days.

"We will make sure that these things are dealt with while the camp is there, while acknowledging that the aim is to get people into houses as soon as possible," he said.

Mr Windus said the agreement with the council was a great step forward, adding volunteers were on track to continue helping rough sleepers in need of support.

A government spokeswoman said the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries had cut the water off at the request of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre.

In a statement, a theatre spokesman said the company was sympathetic to the issues of homelessness and disadvantage but the camp was an unsuitable solution to the problem.

"We urge the relevant authorities, departments and agencies and especially organisations equipped to deal with vulnerable people to work together towards the earliest resolution of the situation," the statement read.

"The company has had a harmonious relationship with homeless people who have utilised the park over the years."

I wonder if the homeless people that had problems getting water were angry.   

Neferti wrote on Jan 16^th, 2021 at 7:49am:


Neferti was a tool of government as a public servant all her life and therefore part of the problem and not the solution.

Anger is an appropriate response to oppression and disregard of the needs of the disadvantaged minorities.

Homelessness will only get worse as the cost of housing has become out of reach for people at the bottom of the economy.

Typical of public servants, Neferti blames the victim and not the perpetrator.

whiteknight wrote on Jan 16^th, 2021 at 8:04am:


Just one more hit in an endless barrage of hits - why would it bother them?

Carl D wrote on Jan 16^th, 2021 at 9:54am:


The homeless wouldn't be on the Electoral Roll would they, since they don't have a home address? So no votes from them then. 

The above camp set up was organised by some people protesting. They were told to "move on" and haven't so they have cut off the water. 

Drive 'em into desert and make 'em dig for water... they can hunt animals for food and use skins - Cut Off Their Dole!!

No wonder my next book, dealing with how easy it is to slip over into madness, is called The Edge Of Insanity, and points out how very many in our society are essentially sociopathic - possibly as high as 98%, and nowhere more prevalent than in the 'better' classes - the self-appointed aristocracy and their mates and even their servants.

Being able to entertain their grand-children - you are now saying that many of these are Elder Citizens who've traveled every farken hard yard while others bask in the warm sun of being overfed?

What a farken disgraceful way to treat your elders and elderly.

Shame on the non-convict states, as usual.  And look at the pure sociopathic type of politician that comes from those benighted areas still deeply mired in their English class system and kow-towing to money.... Jesus God...