Beresford jetty push picks up steam on Facebook

There is growing momentum behind a push to build a jetty on the Beresford foreshore, with a Facebook group backing the idea attracting 500 members less than 24 hours after it was created.

Geraldton resident Mark O’Brien, who started the online group, said he was blown away by the online response.

“When our family moved to Geraldton in 2012, the one thing I thought it was lacking was a jetty to take young kids to fish off — something for people who are unable to jump on a boat or haven’t got a four-wheel-drive,” he said.

Mr O’Brien said building a jetty stretching out 100m from the Beresford foreshore would be a huge win for local tourism.

“People go into Jurien Bay just to have a walk on the jetty, and you look at what Busselton’s got, the amount of revenue it generates for the town, it’s astronomical,” he said.

“It would make people stop off on their way up north and spend some money locally.”

A 2019 research report into the economic impact of recreational fishing in WA revealed fishers spend $2.4 billion on the sport each year.

City of Greater Geraldton mayor Shane Van Styn said plans to build a Beresford jetty that would service charter boats and recreational fishers were already in the “very early stages” of development.

“The idea regularly comes up in discussions and forums,” he said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Facebook page goes viral.”

Mr Van Styn said he had already held talks with member for Durack Melissa Price over potential funding.

“People underestimate how expensive jetties are,” he said.

“There’s lots of considerations that have to be given — there is a lot off marine life off the coast.”

Mr O’Brien, who started the Facebook group to “make things happen”, said any funding would be well spent.