Fremantle fireworks scrapped after online attacks, MP says

There will be no Australia Day celebrations in Fremantle this year, after local business owners decided not to fund a fireworks display as they did last year.

WA Federal Liberal MP Ben Morton says some small businesses were subject to abuse after last year's show due to "activism" in the Fremantle area.

The council decided not to celebrate the day last year in respect to Aboriginal people, but local businesses picked up the slack.

"It's a great shame for businesses that operate there and it's a great shame for families who enjoyed that celebration of Australia." Mr Morton said.

"I'm not blaming the businesses, I'm blaming the council for actually taking this decision which is divisive and actually takes people away from visiting Fremantle on the weekend..."

More than 400 local shops responded to a survey sent out by the Fremantle Business Improvement District, who put on the $60,000 show last year, which found no clear directive for what the city should do on January 26.

The National Hotel owner Karl Bullers said "at the end of the day it's a national holiday, and the whole country are supporting it so yes maybe the conversation has to be had, but it shouldn't be at the expense of local businesses."

The Fremantle Council will hold a celebration on Sunday the 28th of January.