Busselton Jetty
One of the South West’s most well-known icons is the 1.6 kilometre Busselton Jetty, which contributes significantly to tourist income for the town annually.
But the structure is in desperate need of repairs, with an estimated $18 million needed to bring it back to a good and safe standard and a further $41.3 million needed over a 50-year period to maintain it, so it doesn’t fall into disrepair again.
A comprehensive plan has been devised by the Busselton Jetty Working Group that will achieve the goal, with a commitment from the State Government to put in $6 million contingent upon Busselton Shire and the Commonwealth Government also putting in $6 million.
The State’s $6 million would be recouped through redevelopment of Crown land in the town, with a commitment to reimbursing the shire for its share dependent on the return of the redevelopment.
The plan will create stronger linkage between the CBD and foreshore, development of new walkways, promenades, public open space, better parking and roads as well as community facilities and a new caravan park, playground and skate park.
It will also create four leasehold lots which, along with two existing lots, will help provide finances to meet the long-term maintenance costs.
The plan is an excellent example of working partnerships between local and State governments, with the joint working group comprised of five members of each.
The State Government is represented by Hon Adele Farina MLC as co-chair and officers from the Commission, LandCorp, Department for Planning and Infrastructure and Tourism Western Australia.
The Shire of Busselton is represented by Bev Clarke Shire President as co-chair, a councillor and three Shire officers.
The State Government, through the South West Development Commission, allocated up to $500,000 for feasibility studies and community consultation.
While extensive community consultation has been undertaken in the development of the plan to date, further consultation will occur as part of the planning process if council decides to proceed with the project.
The working group is presently working with sporting groups that use Churchill Park to identify suitable alternative locations which can accommodate their growth into the future should the plan go ahead.