“I see nothing! I hear nothing! I know nothing!”

FREMANTLE Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge today ‘absented’ herself from the Japingka parking saga in which her mother is one of five people who for the past year have flaunted local laws and obstructed neighbouring tenants behind the former Union Stores building on High Street.
“Just letting you know, I have absented myself from any issues related to Japingka gallery as my mum works there. If any of you have any enquiries related to the frequent emails we are getting please direct them to (the CEO). I have not been and do not want to be involved!”
The email to elected members and executive staff follows the publication by StreetWise on June 25 of the unlawfully parked cars behind Japingka Aboriginal art gallery owned by Ian Plunkett and David Wroth.
Port Jarrah Furniture owner Clint Clarke says Cr Fitzhardinge has known about the Japingka issue since she became mayor last year when he sent her photographs of the unlawfully parked cars, including her mother’s.
On November 18 and 30, 2021, Mr Clarke asked and CC’d the mayor into a request to meet about a number of issues including, ‘Parking at 45 Union Stores’: “Hannah’s mother and others from Japingka constantly parking across in my bay. I pay $215 a month to the City and I would like this to stop. I need to know why this is acceptable when it’s a City building.”
Mr Clarke told StreetWise he never heard back even after he reached out again in March this year when he asked to meet the mayor and executive staff to resolve the escalating issue. The only councillors to have contacted Mr Clarke are Crs Frank Mofflin, Adin Lang and Marija Vujcic.
The City today informed Mr Clarke it, “is finalising a plan of action for this area with a view to infringing parties parking illegally. Noting the increase of requests for tenant parking in this space, the City has been asked [including by Japingka] to look into other options first that may accommodate extra parking including realigning of bays and/or moving/replanting trees.
“Engagement is required with several stakeholders to get an idea of exactly what can be done in this space regarding parking. We do understand the impact on you and as noted to you, any car that encroaches or is parked illegally in your bay will be infringed”.
The City added: “Regarding the adjoining car bays, the City will only infringe parties once consultation re: the above is complete and once all options have been reviewed and considered. Tenant consultation would also occur at this point so that all parties are aware and have had the opportunity to make comment. With the parking of the Hyundai, this void is also being reviewed and if determined, the city will likely need to paint the space highlighting that parking is not permitted; immediate infringement would not be possible.”
Mr Clarke responded today that in the meantime five vehicles will continue to park there while paying for only three bays while he pays the full amount: “Why should I pay $214.50 a month when they are having five vehicles and only paying for three? This has been going on for years.
“It’s very disappointing to have to fight for basic rights in this town.”
Mr Clarke has demanded a refund of his parking fees for the previous calendar year for the misuse of his exclusive paid bay. Total $214.50 x 12 month or $5172 including GST.
Under the City’s parking local law 2021, parking without permission in an area designated for authourised vehicles only or failure to park wholly within a parking stall (not over the line as featured in the image) attracts a fine of $80.
“The City has a sign clearly stating authorised parking only. With up to $5000 penalty under private property agreement … Why are you refusing to fine the vehicles and asking the tenant to go pay for street parking?” Mr Clarke asked.