Perth waterfront development proposals

The north shore of Perth Water on the Swan River frontage to the city of Perth in Western Australia has been frequently changed since the arrival of Europeans in 1829. Various forms and structures have appeared and been removed over the last 180 years. Jetties, ports and various forms of reclamation have moved the shore considerably into Perth Water. The main eras of reclamation were in the 1870s, 1900s, 1920s-1937, 1955–1959, and 1967.Since the 1980s various proposals have been mooted by government and others to redevelop the foreshore area. These proposals are sometimes referred to as the Perth waterfront developments and have generally focused on areas around Barrack Square and the Esplanade Reserve.The proposals are often characterised by opposition arguing that structures and facilities in the developments will create increased separation of the central business district from the river which will further reduce access to the amenity. Conversely, others argue that the city/river vista to motorists along Riverside Drive will be spoiled. Some proposals have included traffic tunnels or landbridges to enable the city to re-attach to the river.