Member for Roe Peter Rundle MLA sought clarification from the Minister for Heritage about the Government’s intentions for the iconic Esperance Tanker Jetty in Parliament today.
Mr Rundle said he used the opportunity to raise his concerns about the future of the Esperance Tanker Jetty, and to seek confirmation from the Government that the current conservation order would remain in place until the Shire of Esperance developed a fully funded and detailed design that would be supported by the Heritage Council.
“I believe that the jetty can, and should, be restored and I wanted confirmation from the Minister for Heritage that the Government will continue to enforce the conservation order until an appropriate design solution is presented,” Mr Rundle said.
“In April 2017 the Minister said that he was going to discuss the issue further with the Heritage Council, and I, along with the Esperance community, am very interested to know the outcome of these discussions.”
In his response, Hon David Templeman MLA, Minister for Heritage, confirmed that the conservation order would remain in place, with its current requirements, until he was confident an outcome had been proposed that ensures the appropriate heritage values have been considered.
Mr Rundle was pleased the Minister had committed to retaining the conservation order, but was disappointed that the Government did not commit to a timeframe, or funding restoration works.
“I firmly believe that the priority needs to be on reopening a restored jetty. The longer the jetty remains closed, the more the Esperance community misses out,” Mr Rundle said.
“However, I’m pleased the Minister committed to continuing to work with myself, the Shire of Esperance and the wider community to seek a solution.”
