Fremantle homeless camp denied water as temperatures rise, along with tensions

Mr Windus said organisers had attempted to discuss ongoing concerns, including the use of the tap, with Spare Parts Puppet Theatre on several occasions but hadn’t reached an understanding.

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“It was our only source of running water and that was made quite clear to both Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and the Fremantle council,” he said.

“Water is a necessity. I’m suffering from a heat stroke and the temperature is only set to rise, these people [sleeping rough] are enduring the elements outside 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Temperatures at the camp reached 30 degrees just after midday on Wednesday, with Bureau of Meteorology records showing readings of up to 28 degrees at 7pm that night.

Fremantle is set for more high summer temperatures in the coming days, with the bureau predicting a maximum of 32 degrees on Friday and 35 degrees on Saturday.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the council had played no part in removing the tap and added he was pleased to see the water was flowing again at the camp on Thursday morning.

“They need water. My sense is that while people are sleeping in tents at that location water is an essential service and we are supportive of them,” he told WAtoday.

“We think our role is to maintain public health, making sure down there is a safe place for people. Running water is an important part as are toilets, lighting, bins and the like.”

Dr Pettitt said the council had brokered a deal with organisers to erect a 1.8-metre fence around the camp and committed to emptying bins and pumping waste from the portaloos every three days.

“We will make sure that these things are dealt with while the camp is there, while acknowledging that the aim is to get people into houses as soon as possible,” he said.

Mr Windus said the agreement with the council was a great step forward, adding volunteers were on track to continue helping rough sleepers in need of support.

A spokeswoman for Community Services Minister Simone McGurk said the government, which leases the building out to the theatre, had not cut the water off.

She said the Department of Communities was working to transition individuals into temporary housing arrangements as soon as possible.

Spare Parts Puppet Theatre has been contacted for comment.