Published on Wednesday, 11 February 2026 at 11:37:11 AM
The Town of East Fremantle awaits further communication from WA Football (WAF), via the East Fremantle Football Club (EFFC), regarding fencing arrangements for WAFL games at East Fremantle Community Park/Good Grocer Park (the Park).
A meeting called by WAF’s leadership this week provided a good opportunity for the Town to highlight the increasing operational and community success of the Park, with input from EFFC representatives.
Commercial agreements signed during the Park’s development – with the support of the State Government – have ensured that the oval is accessible to the public at all times, which enables fans and community-members to watch local WAFL games.
During the meeting, it was noted that the WAF Board would need to resolve to provide a continued exemption to play WAFL games at the Park without a permanent fence.
In addition to being home to the EFFC, the Park precinct accommodates the East Fremantle Bowls Club, the East Fremantle Croquet Club, youth facilities, a health and fitness club, a café and restaurant, nature playground, the East Freo Playgroup and a Child Health Clinic.
The facility is run under an integrated financial model that aims to deliver and share long-term benefits for the EFFC, the Town of East Fremantle and other users.
The Town believes that the open access arrangement at the Park has been working well since it opened in May 2024 and it understands that spectator numbers at local WAFL games have increased.
In this way, the Park may provide an insight into a new model for the WAFL to expand its reach and influence into a local community.
The current discussion about the potential requirement for a fence was a surprise to the Town.
While the project was being developed, the requirement for no fence was known by all stakeholders. WAF was consulted in the development of the business plan and was open to the concept of no fence, with the exception of finals.
The Town’s position on no fence at the Park is consistent with extensive community consultation involving key stakeholders, and backed by a comprehensive business plan, the State Government’s position and the funding agreement.
The Town is working with the EFFC and will continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders once we receive more information.
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