The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge has been named Walyalup Bridge ahead of its official opening next weekend. More than 10,000 people are expected to attend. Walyalup is the traditional Whadjuk Noongar name for Fremantle. The bridge cost $596 million and opened months ahead of schedule. It will open to traffic later in the evening, after people have been able to walk across it. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the bridge will become part of Fremantle's identity for generations.
The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge in Western Australia will be named Walyalup Bridge when it opens on November 1. Walyalup is the traditional Whadjuk Noongar name for Fremantle, and holds deep significance for the Whadjuk people. The bridge is jointly funded by federal and state governments and opens months ahead of schedule. It will be the country's first extradosed bridge, with two lanes in each direction and wider shared paths. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the name would become part of the site's continuing story.
People who find echidnas in suburban Adelaide should leave them alone rather than move them, a rescue worker says. Mish Simpson of Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue says the animals are often heading somewhere and usually leave within an hour. She says her group has seen calls for advice rise from 76 in 2024 to 212 in 2026. Simpson has also noticed breeding now peaks in September and October rather than winter. The Department for Environment and Water says vehicle strikes and habitat loss are the greatest threats to local populations.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
A sheep nicknamed the Kangaroo Island yeti has been caught and shorn after roaming the scrub for years. Kirsty Wade first spotted the animal in 2023 on a fire trail on the island's western end. Shearer Dean removed 31 kilograms of wool from the ewe on Saturday the 24th. A yellow ear tag identified her as belonging to farmer Graham, who lost most of his flock in the January 2020 fires. The vet said she was underweight but healthy, and she is now back on Graham's property.
Police are investigating a suspicious fire in bushland in Orana that was sparked late on Monday afternoon. Neighbours reported smoke from a bush reserve at the end of Abercorn Street at about 4.40pm. Two crews from Albany Fire and Rescue Service put out the 15 metre by 15 metre blaze by 5.10pm. Firefighters found at least three ignition points and handed the scene to police. WA Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers, with rewards of up to $25,000 offered for information leading to an arsonist's conviction.
A local historical society is working to trace the history of small bush schools in the old Beaudesert Shire. The Jimboomba Timber Reserve Provisional School opened in 1899 near Gittens Road in what is now Riverbend. It was later named Martindale, then moved across the Logan River in 1922 and reopened as Cedar Grove State School before closing in 1965. The Lily Vale Provisional School, in the area now known as Cedar Vale, is considered a likely match for the Scrub Creek school.
