- Cook Government's $3 million refurbishment of Australind Jetty has reached practical completion
- Upgrades ensure the jetty is safe and accessible once again
- Reopening of the jetty confirms its status as an iconic tourist attraction
The new Australind Jetty will reopen to the public this week, after the Cook Government invested $3 million to make the iconic jetty safe and accessible once more.
Work on the much-loved landmark began in February, with 52 tonnes of timber from the original jetty structure distributed to local schools and community groups for recycling.
Other works include:
- replacement of all decking and railing materials with 82 tonnes of composite material made from 100 per cent recycled material;
- full replacement of two footbridges - each one approximately 13m long;
- refurbishment of 32 timber piles by encasing them in concrete;
- replenishment of rock armouring along the earth embankment; and
- construction of a new inclusion and disability access ramp in partnership with the Shire of Harvey.
The jetty has long been considered a valued community asset but due to its age and deteriorating condition, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) engaged engineers to inspect both the below water and above water structures and report on the condition in 2021.
The report found significant structural concerns requiring extensive remedial work and the jetty was subsequently deemed unsafe for public use.
Despite the difficult decision toclose the jetty, its reopening marks its return as a tourist destination.
The Australind Jetty, formally known as Laporte's Boardwalk/Jetty, was named after a former British company, Laporte Industries,and established as part of a titanium extraction plant in Australind in the 1960s.
The refurbishment was led by Ventia and managed by the Department of Transport.
Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:
"The Australind Jetty is well loved by locals and tourists alike, and its reopening is an early Christmas present for the community, who can enjoy all it has to offer once more.
"Incredibly, 52 tonnes of timber from the original structure was distributed to local community groups to be reused and recycled.
"The Cook Government made a commitment to restoring the jetty and making it safe and accessible. Now visitors can enjoy the surrounds - which hold a special place in the hearts of so many - for generations to come."
Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael:
"These upgrades mean the Australind Jetty is open again for locals and visitors to access a variety of recreational activities.
"I congratulate all involved in bringing this important project to fruition."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"The jetty is a unique attraction, which is cherished by the community, and the refurbishment means all can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of the stunning Leschenault Estuary.
"Although community members were disappointed with the closure of the jetty, the Cook Government has honoured its pledge to restore it and I'm delighted the work is now complete just in time for the summer holidays."
