Bunbury jetty deconstruction begins

The long-awaited deconstruction of the Bunbury Timber Jetty will begin in the coming weeks as contractors move in to take the historic structure apart.

City engineer Jason Gick said the jetty was now a work site and was closed to the public for safety reasons.

‘‘The jetty will be fenced off across the groyne and a boundary line will be established in the water along the existing floating boom,’’ he said.

Swan Marine Construction has been awarded the $2.7 million contract and during the next few weeks will begin site preparation and minor works.

The removal of the 148-year-old jetty is also expected to reveal remnants of Bunbury’s past. ‘‘We expect to find lots of interesting things including old jetty infrastructure such as transformers, pipes, mooring bollards and railway lines as well as some maritime artefacts,’’ Mr Gick said.

‘‘The council is finalising a maritime archaeology report at the moment which we expect will reveal more detailed information.’’

Skippers will be issued a ‘‘notice to mariners’’ through the Department of Transport to advise boat users of possible hazards.

Dolphin activity will also be monitored by the Dolphin Discovery Centre which will patrol the area during the work.

After many years of maintaining the jetty, the Bunbury Timber Jetty Environment and Conservation Society will wind down its on-site operations.

The council said it would continue to work with the society to ensure the history of the jetty was respectfully honoured.

The works are expected to last until March next year.