PORT HUGHES JETTY UPDATE
Copper Coast Council and contractors Maritime Constructions have started repairs on the storm-damaged Port Hughes Jetty today. Pile driving of the jetty and the installation of two steel bored piles was completed today. On Thursday and Friday, Maritime Constructions will return to finalise four crossheads reinstatements.
With the jetty featuring in the Copper Coast for more than 100 years, Copper Coast Council’s Director of Infrastructure Services Tim Neumann said, “One of Council’s priorities is to maintain its historic facilities.” First established in 1914, the Port Hughes Jetty has become a community landmark and is a great tourism attraction to be proud of, particularly for recreational fishers and divers.
The damage was first reported to Council on Saturday, 22nd August following bad weather from the 19th to 22nd August, and Council had to close off the jetty to the public for safety reasons.
“Council leases the jetty from the State Government,” Mr Neumann said.
“In order for Council’s costs for repairs above $10,000 to be met by the State Government and covered by insurance, we had to make sure we hired accredited contractors to inspect the damage, produce a report, obtain quotations and then undertake the repairs.
“The recent COVID-19 lockdown period did not help, forcing the contractors to delay their start time, but the completion time has not been delayed.
“Weather permitting, the Port Hughes Jetty repairs will be completed by the 23rd December.
“Following a final inspection to ensure the jetty is safe to be reopened, the public will have access in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays.”