Geraldton jetty backed by Federal Government

A grassroots push to see a jetty installed in Geraldton has attracted Federal Government interest, with early estimates putting the cost of the new infrastructure at around $10 million.

Organisers of the Jetty for Geraldton Facebook group — which has attracted more than 2900 followers — on Saturday met with City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn and Member for Durack Melissa Price to discuss the project. It was said a jetty built between groynes at Beresford foreshore that stretched up to 400m from the beach could cost between $10m and $15m.

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Ms Price said the need for a jetty in Geraldton had been on her radar for some time and she was eager for the Federal Government to support the project.

“We have still got a long way to go and I expect this will be a partnership between ourselves and the local government,” she said.

“We need to get some preliminary designs and costings, but I think this is the next plank in the tourism offerings.”

Geraldton resident Mark O’Brien said if all went according to plan, residents could be fishing off the new jetty in about five years.

“I feel very confident about it,” he said.

“We have got the location nailed down, we have got some little designs in our head of what we would like to see, and we have been thrown some comparisons in terms of costing, but all this is going to have to be fine-tuned before (Ms Price) can work her wonders.”

We have still got a long way to go...but I think this is the next plank in the tourism offerings.

Social media feedback on the proposal has been largely positive, with Mr O’Brien saying there was really no downside to having a jetty in Geraldton.

“The support we’ve had from the local community has been breathtaking,” he said.

“It is going to draw people to town, which is going to do well for business ... it is a win-win situation and it is going to be fantastic for all.”