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Total restoration of Seroja-damaged Carnarvon One Mile Jetty dependant on Federal funding, says MP

Phoebe PinMidwest Times
All but about 400m of the Carnarvon One Mile Jetty’s original structure will have to be replaced.
Camera IconAll but about 400m of the Carnarvon One Mile Jetty’s original structure will have to be replaced. Credit: Bill Kent/Facebook/Bill Kent/Facebook

Works to restore Carnarvon’s historic One Mile Jetty could start as soon as next year if the project is granted Federal funding, Member for North West Central Vince Catania says.

The State Government this month announced more than 1000m of the original structure would be demolished because of damage caused by cyclone Seroja — news which came as a severe blow to community members who have campaigned for decades for the jetty to be revitalised.

But Carnarvon Heritage Group chair Mr Catania said plans to restore the remaining 420m using salvaged timber were well under way. “It is full steam ahead for the heritage group to invigorate and activate the heritage precinct by looking at ways we can improve the heritage information by utilising the jetty timbers, putting in a nature play area, and by showcasing our wonderful museum to tourists,” he said.

The McGowan Government made an election commitment to allocate $4.5 million to the restoration project, with Mr Catania saying the heritage group was seeking $9m in Federal Government funding to rebuild the 1000m of jetty which must be destroyed.

“If we are successful, (the Federal funding) will dictate what materials can be used and what methods of construction can be used to bring that jetty further out to its glory of one mile,” he said.

“There is still some hope that the money will be in this year’s budget, which will enable those works to commence, I would imagine, around 2022.

“We hope the Federal Government comes to the party and provides the $9m that is needed to go even further out and look at new materials that will make the jetty sustainable in the future.

“It will also allow the heritage precinct and volunteers to be able to really look after the One Mile Jetty knowing we are not going to have issues such as fires that generally do destroy the timber on the jetty.”

The heritage-listed icon survived a deliberately lit fire in 2007 before it was finally closed in 2017 after it was deemed structurally unsound.

Community consultation on how the jetty is restored will begin next month to allow locals to have their say on how the jetty is restored.

Tropical Cyclone Seroja left trail of destruction. Bill Kents drone vision of the damage to the Carnarvon One Mile Jetty
Camera IconTropical Cyclone Seroja left trail of destruction. Bill Kents drone vision of the damage to the Carnarvon One Mile Jetty Credit: Bill Kent/Facebook/Bill Kent/Facebook

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