27 June 2018
Member for Roe Peter Rundle says he is bitterly disappointed that Labor failed to support an amendment to the Heritage Bill that would have seen the future of the state’s three remaining jetties protected in legislation.
During debate yesterday Member for North West Central Vince Catania moved an amendment calling for the Carnarvon One Mile Jetty, the Esperance Tanker Jetty and the Busselton Jetty to be protected and preserved to ensure the long-term sustainability of the jetties.
Mr Rundle said he was frustrated that the McGowan Government voted against the amendment.
“Not only are these jetties important pieces of WA’s heritage, they also have so much tourism, commerce and small business potential, and their protection needs to be enshrined in legislation,” Mr Rundle said.
“The Minister for Heritage said he recognizes the special significance of these jetties, but missed the opportunity to safeguard their future.”
The amendment called for appropriate funding to be granted annually to ensure structures are maintained, and that in protecting and preserving these jetties the use of modern alternative internal structural materials may be considered, as long as the outwards wooden appearance of each jetty is maintained.
Mr Rundle and Mr Catania have committed to continuing to push for the three jetties to receive necessary funding to ensure they are maintained.
“During the debate the Minister for Heritage joked about how I chase him down the corridors of Parliament House to advocate for refurbishment of the Esperance jetty, and I’ll continue to do so,” Mr Rundle said.
“There are only three wooden jetties left in the whole state, and I won’t stop fighting for their protection and restoration.”
