Carnarvon’s heritage-listed One Mile Jetty wiped out by Cyclone Seroja

Pictures have emerged of the full extent of damage tropical Cyclone Seroja’s high tides and destructive winds unleashed on Carnarvon’s heritage-listed One Mile Jetty — wiping out the 124-year-old landmark along the remote North West coast. In a drone flyover posted online by Bill Kent, top planks and pylons were destroyed leaving large sections washed away and what remained in ruin. Just one of three historic jetties left in WA, alongside similar structures in Busselton and Esperance, the popular 1493m landmark was already in jeopardy after its closure to the public in late 2017 when its structural integrity was deemed unsafe. Carnarvon Shire President Eddie Smith said the loss of the One Mile Jetty was “terribly sad” and he was “devastated” seeing images of the destruction online. “Seeing the photos on Facebook, I felt like someone had kicked me in the guts,” he told The West. “Then seeing it in real life… It’s sad for the town, it’s sad for the whole state. “It’s a special pace in Carnarvon. Something in it so iconic, it’s part of our history and we don’t want to see it go.” More than 100,000 tourists were estimated to have visited in the jetty’s final full year of operation. Its final closure came after a 1998 community campaign saved the icon from demolition after falling into disrepair and surviving a 2007 deliberately lit fire. A crowd-raising campaign driven by Carnarvon Heritage Group in recent years, which is chaired by Vince Catania, estimated $5 million would be needed to kick-start restoration. In 2019, it was estimated the revitalisation would cost $42 million. Mr Catania today said he still held out hoped for a rebuild. “I wish to reassure everyone as Chair of the Heritage Committee we have been able to secure $4.5 million from the State Government and have applied for a Federal Government grant of $10 million to rebuild the iconic jetty,” Mr Catania said. The jetty was once the lifeblood of the town after construction in 1897 from South West jarrah, becoming a deep sea port to transport local produce, such as wool and livestock exports. Listed with the state and national heritage trusts, the jetty includes 674 pylons in the neck and more than 310 in its head and sits just 3km from town. A One Mile Jetty interpretive centre opened several years ago to remember its prime and evokes memories of the significant role in played in Australia’s export history. A Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage spokeswoman said the jetty was a “valued recreational asset that holds special significance for local residents”. “Following the devastation of Cyclone Seroja, an inspection of the structure will be undertaken to determine the extent of damage and options for repair and restoration,” she said. “The State Government continues to support the Shire of Carnarvon in its application for Commonwealth funding to extend the restoration works to be undertaken, and will support the Carnarvon Heritage Group and the local community to bring the jetty back to life.” Cyclone Seroja hit the Mid West coast about 8pm Sunday night, leaving a trail of destruction behind it with winds of up to 170km an hour. Kalbarri and Northampton bore the brunt of the cyclone which left a trail of destruction, Carnarvon’s iconic jetty stood no chance despite being four and a half hours away.