State should take on jetty's future: Kelly

Former Deputy Mayor Brendan Kelly has renewed calls for the State Government to take control over the ailing Bunbury Timber Jetty, which has become an expensive eyesore.

Picture by David Bailey

Cr Kelly said the State Government should take responsibility for removing the dilapidated jetty, which has been ravaged by time, bad weather, a deficient containment boom, and vandalism.

‘‘I do not think the jetty should be the responsibility of the City of Bunbury,’’ he said.

‘‘It should never have been our responsibility, and it costs too much for our ratepayers.’’

Bunbury Mayor David Smith said the council accepted legal liability for the jetty in 1998 when it signed the Jetty Licence.

‘‘The advice from senior counsel is that we are stuck with it,’’ he said.

Most of the council’s direct and indirect expenditure on the jetty has come from the $1 million provided by the State in the 1990s.

‘‘As mayor I support the total demolition of the jetty pursuant to the Waterfront Development agreement underwhich the State puts in $3.5million,’’ Mr Smith said.

BunburyMLAJohn Castrilli said ongoing concern over the deterioration of the jetty meant that in 1993 the State Government, which had authority over the jetty, considered demolishing it, at a cost of $1 million.

The council opposed the demolition plans and instead put forward a proposal to pay them the money instead and accept responsibility for the jetty.

‘‘The City of Bunbury requested $3.5 million and this is exactly what has been allocated by the Government,’’ Mr Castrilli said.

‘‘It is unfortunate the jetty has fallen into such a state of disrepair, and I hope that whatever final decision council makes, it pays tribute to the jetty’s heritage.’’