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Visitation Management

The benefits that Fremantle Prison enjoys as a result of high visitation rates are counter-balanced to a degree by the adverse impacts that this can have on its heritage values. In particular, large numbers of people accessing the Prison make it vulnerable to cumulative adverse impacts through ‘mechanical damage’ (e.g. bumps and abrasion). It also elevates the risk of theft of movable heritage and of vandalism.

SPECIFIC POLICY 61: Fremantle Prison will seek to maximise visitation in order to best communicate its heritage values to the community, acknowledging that the place’s conservation needs may mean that access to some spaces must be limited.

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SPECIFIC POLICY 62: Fremantle Prison will ensure that visitation continues to be managed and controlled in a manner that balances the attraction and educational value of the Prison experience, with sensitive interpretation, promotion and communication of the heritage values.


SPECIFIC POLICY 63: Fremantle Prison will maintain its existing program of guided tours in order to manage the number and movement of visitors. At the same time Fremantle Prison will investigate opportunities for visitors to enjoy an ‘unaccompanied’ experience by identifying spaces that are robust enough for that purpose. Sometimes this may involve the introduction of reversible protective devices in vulnerable locations, e.g. motion sensitive alarms.

SPECIFIC ACTION 39: Continue to revise and update the document entitled ‘Fremantle Prison Interpretation Policy’ (2007) to include ways of enhancing the ‘unaccompanied’ visitor experience. This should be done having regard to any proposed new Masterplan for the place.

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SPECIFIC ACTION 40: Continue to maintain Fremantle Prison’s cyclical and regular monitoring and maintenance program. If physical damage to a location is identified due to excessive visitation, remove the cause of the damage or implement protective measures, e.g. a perspex sheet or similar, standing clear of the wall to permit visibility and free circulation of air, can be utilised for the protection of plastered and painted surfaces; unobtrusive bollards may be appropriate in areas experiencing high vehicle movement near heritage fabric; floor runners may be used to minimise wear and tear of certain vulnerable surfaces. The appropriate response will be determined on a case by case basis having regard to assessed levels of significance, the impacts being experienced, and the relative impacts of protective intervention.

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