Staff recommend Greater Geraldton councillors support $50k allocation to jetty site selection study

Councillors have been urged by their staff to back a compromise over a proposed Geraldton jetty project rather than wash their hands of it completely. A petition signed by more than 700 people calling on council to back a new 550m jetty at the rock wall end of Midalia Beach was lodged last month, with organisers requesting $200,000 for preliminary feasibility studies. The Jetty for Geraldton Community Group, with has more than 7000 followers on social media, says a new jetty would boost business, be an asset for both residents and visitors, and become a tourist attraction. The location earmarked on Midalia Beach was already a developed area with public parking, toilets and a playground, making it accessible and convenient. At Tuesday’s agenda forum, councillors will discuss an executive staff recommendation to endorse a $50,000 budget allocation in the mid-year review for an initial site selection investigation. It’s also been recommended the council’s chief executive Ross McKim write to Federal and State governments to gauge their level of interest in financially supporting the project. A senior executive had reached out to known coastal engineering consultants for how much required studies would cost and they were provided an estimate of $400,000. A low-maintenance jetty would come with a $20 million price tag, consultant estimate. “The coastal consultants also suggested that ... a low maintenance, concrete deck jetty of the magnitude proposed at Midalia Beach could be in the order of $20 million for the jetty only,” the council document states. “This does not include the required extensions/upgrades to the existing rock walls, which are likely to need raising, and any other associated shore-based infrastructure.” The jetty campaign officially launched their concept to council in February last year. The council previously rejected a motion last year for it to allocate $200,000 for feasibility studies. But now it is have a different motion on its hands to vote on, with the suggested $50,000 allocation to be presented to council as part of the mid-year review in early 2024. “At this early phase in the life of the project, there are a lot of unknowns and hence risks,” the council document states. “Should the project proceed, completing preliminary investigations would enable more informed decision-making by council. This would reduce the potential risks that are not clarified at this time.” Councillors will vote on the issue — which could see them support the staff recommendation, decide on a different funding allocation or dismiss the request entirely — at its monthly council meeting next week on December 19.