Safety Comes First – Point Reserve Jetties

Published: Wednesday, 20 November 2019 at 3:40:47 PM

“Safety of residents is our priority,” Chief Executive Officer Peta Mabbs said, announcing that work to remove the termite-damaged wood on the two jetties was starting today (20 November 2019).

Four contractors in wetsuits have established a containment barrier around the North jetty and started removing planks. Once this work is completed, they will start work to remove the damaged timber on the South jetty. Total cost is $28,000.

The elected Council was briefed on Tuesday 19 November at a community briefing session attended by 21 residents in the Ashfield Community Centre.

The primary focus is on dealing with the safety issue.

“When you are dealing with potentially millions of these insects on an important piece of our history, on the banks of a river with its rich and sometimes fragile biodiversity, in a place about which many of us hold fond memories of growing up - it’s a big challenge,” Ms Mabbs said.

“We started remedial works on both jetties on 8 November.  It was during this work, the true extent of the termite damage to both jetties was identified. We had a situation where we had two termite-riddled jetties that were both deemed by experts to be unsafe.  We were advised that urgent action was required. As the CEO, it would have been irresponsible and negligent not to address the safety hazard.  They are a critical risk and my hand was forced by those safety considerations.  There was no other option.  If a child had fallen through a damaged jetty plank and hurt themselves, or worse still, drowned, I would be responsible for any loss of life and the Town would be liable for damages,” she said.

Since 8 November, the Town has acted decisively to:

Address the hazard Make arrangements to remove the damaged structures Work with the State Government to remove the infrastructure as well as seek advice on the future amenity of Point Reserve.

The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions is seeking the decking on the North jetty to be replaced.  The Town will continue to work with the Department to confirm the details and timing of the replacement decking. The Town has discussed with the Department that further planning is required to consider options for the South jetty.

At its meeting next week, Council is being asked to:

note the actions taken to date by the Town note the response from the Department regarding the permit for emergency works which includes a condition to reinstate North jetty so it can be reopened to the public note that a further report will be presented at the December Council Meeting addressing future considerations for the jetties including seeking Council approval of expenditure to undertake physical works to reinstate North jetty.

“These jetties, originally built 50 metres apart to replicate the length of a swimming pool, have many memories for generations of our residents including me.”

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