Update on Jetties at Point Reserve

Published: Friday, 15 November 2019 at 6:00:00 PM

15 November 2019

A report to Council about the jetties is now available on the website here.

13 November 2019

The Town is investigating options for the replacement of the two unsafe jetties at Point Reserve.  The Town’s insurers LGIS are being consulted. Discussions are underway with local MP Dave Kelly, the Department of Transport and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to establish a way forward.

 “Public safety is our prime concern and we have a duty of care to our community. It  is recognised the jetties are much loved by our community and our river is one of the prime reasons so many of us make the decision to call Bassendean our home,” Acting Mayor Cr Kath Hamilton said.

Council will receive an update from Town staff next Tuesday 19 November at its Briefing Session.

12 November 2019

Two jetties at Point Reserve have been rendered unsafe for public use after termites weakened the structures.

Chief Executive Officer Peta Mabbs said wooden jetties are a challenge for all local governments along the Swan River, given their deteriorating state and weathering caused by erosion from speeding boats, termites and the original construction methods.

 An upcoming report to Council will examine opportunities to apply to the State Government for jetty works.

 “It’s clearly part of the history of our area. This is an opportunity for us to take stock and plan for the future amenity of the community and its connection to the river,” she said.

Swan River Trust managed the jetties for about 60 years and the Town more recently for about eight years.  The design allows timber “stringers" to go directly into the riverbank which encourages termite activity.  The timbers cannot be treated with chemicals that preserve the wood as the chemicals would leach into the river.

Although the Town undertakes regular inspections of jetties and boardwalks these issues could not have been identified without physically removing parts of, or deconstructing, the jetties.

In May 2019, the presence of termites was noted from an inspection by the Town. The Town engaged a company specialising in jetties and bridges to undertake a detailed inspection. When the jetty planks were removed, about 10% of the jetty structure had been impacted.  A pest control program was instigated, using bait stations in the ground with the intent to remove the termites and prevent further infestation.

Last week, when the Town started repair works on one jetty, it was found that the entire length of the jetty had been impacted. This impact was not evident until the timber structure was removed.

A detailed inspection of the second jetty revealed active termites for 75% of the length of the jetty.

The timber on both jetties are recommended for removal due to the danger they present.

The footings for the first jetty are in good condition so can remain until consideration is given to the future requirement for jetty amenity at Point Reserve.

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