It was formed in 1972 to prevent demolition of historic buildings in Fremantle and to assist in their development.
[8] The overall nature of the Society's work is ongoing due to the inherent pressures from developers and others.
It was launched by the Premier of Western Australia, Colin Barnett, in Victoria Hall.
The Society has led campaigns to prevent the loss of many significant buildings in Fremantle; not all have been successful.
[needs update] The group received assistance in the 1970s in the form of green bans organised by the Builders Labourers Federation.