Carnarvon jetty closure ‘blow to tourism’

Carnarvon’s historic One Mile Jetty will be closed to the public after an investigation into its condition and structural integrity revealed safety issues.

Carnarvon Heritage Group chairman Tom Day today said the closure would restrict pedestrian access to the jetty and the running of the Coffee Pot train.

The findings come after the Gascoyne Development Commission hired specialist coastal and port engineers MP Rogers and Associates to assess the condition of the jetty and establish an estimate cost and programmed maintenance schedule.

Mr Day said although the final report had not yet been received, the group had been informed the jetty had structural damage requiring immediate attention.

He said the group had tirelessly tried to secure funding for repair and maintenance work to the jetty over the years, but they had no choice but the close it for the time being.

He said it would be a heavy blow to the local tourism industry.

“The jetty is a critical draw card for tourism in Carnarvon and the closure of the jetty will significantly impact the visitor experience to the heritage precinct and the town,” he said.

He said separate incidents of fire damage to the popular landmark in 1985 and 2007 had created setbacks to continued restorative works.

In 1997 the heritage group successfully saved the iconic 120-year-old jetty from destruction and Mr Day said the group would not give up this time.

“We have saved the jetty once before and in the interest of Carnarvon, the history and connection that thousands of people have with this significant piece of infrastructure, we will do all we can to retain it for future generations,” he said.