Water Minister Dave Kelly today announced funding of $3 million has been allocated to rebuild the Australind Jetty following the popular landmark’s closure in January 2021.
The Australind Jetty, which was originally built in the 1980s, has been a popular attraction for local residents and tourists alike, and become a popular spot for recreational fishing in the past 30 years.
Following a deterioration in the jetty’s condition in recent years, the Shire of Harvey and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) deemed the structure no longer safe for public use and closed it to the public in late January 2021.
Independent consultants carried out an assessment of the jetty’s structural integrity in May 2021. The consultant’s report identified several significant structural issues with the pier and the wooden bridges, requiring extensive remedial works before the public could use the jetty safely.
Following calls from Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns on behalf of the local community and cost estimates provided by DWER, $3 million in funding has been allocated to rebuild the jetty and make it safe for public use.
DWER is now commencing the process to undertake the recommended remedial works that will see the popular jetty reopened to the public.
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
“This is fantastic news for the people of the South-West, particularly Eaton and Australind residents who used the popular jetty regularly.
“The Australind Jetty will now be rebuilt to a standard better than the original structure, which will provide a wonderful, safe amenity for the area into the future.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
“This announcement is a huge win for the local community, many of whom have shared their special memories and photographs of the jetty with me.
“I would like to thank the many locals whose support and passion about seeing the jetty restored has helped me in achieving this great outcome.
“I look forward to seeing locals and tourists enjoying this iconic jetty for years to come.”
