18/7/98
Transport Minister Eric Charlton today attended the official re-opening of the famous Carnarvon One Mile Jetty which was once earmarked for demolition.
The jetty, built in 1897, had been deemed as hazardous but the public will now have restricted access to the structure following restoration work being jointly funded by the State Government, the Shire of Carnarvon and the community.
"This is a significant State Government and community endeavour which will see the jetty not only saved, but ultimately restored as an important piece of Western Australian heritage," Mr Charlton said.
He said Transport was providing $390,000 towards the restoration, with the Shire of Carnarvon providing $10,000 annually towards maintenance. The shire was also matching, dollar-for-dollar, donations from the community up to a limit of $70,000.
The Minister said that so far the Shire of Carnarvon had donated more than $20,000 to match a similar contribution from the public.
Today's re-opening provides restricted access as far as pier 219 which includes the entire neck of the jetty.
Works since January have included rejoining the jetty neck to the head and raising several dropped sections of the structure. Temporary pylons have been put in place, handrails repaired and painted, and decking laid on the head.
Mr Charlton said the Carnarvon community had embraced the jetty project and a five-year restoration was being mapped out.
Total restoration would cost an estimated $800,000.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333
