The closure of the $457,000 jetty in Bunbury, Western Australia, just a few years after its opening has left local fishers like Roland Smith puzzled and disappointed. Smith, who has a disability that makes it challenging for him to fish on sand and rocks, expressed his frustration at the closure, as the jetty was a safe and accessible spot for him to enjoy fishing.
Southern Ports, the authority responsible for the jetty, stated that the closure was due to safety reasons, with the underlying piles of the structure deteriorating faster than anticipated. Despite the initial refurbishment of the jetty's deck before it was opened to the public, the piles were not addressed, causing the current structural issues leading to the prolonged closure. This unexpected situation has led the WA Fisheries Minister, Don Punch, to consider the jetty as a potential write-off, citing economic impracticality for repair.
Local fisherman and campaigner for an accessible jetty, Mr. Trantham, has been advocating for a replacement jetty for over a decade. His plans for a new jetty were stalled in the past due to design approval complications, ultimately resulting in the rejection of the project by the Department of Transport. Nevertheless, despite setbacks, Trantham remains undeterred and is collaborating with the community for future plans for a replacement jetty. The closure of the jetty has affected not only individuals like Mr. Smith, who relied on the facility for safe fishing due to disabilities, but also other community members who valued the jetty as a hub for social interaction and leisure activities.