Tumby Bay jetty’s interim solution has been given the green light, and the Tumby Bay Progress Association have pledged $75,000 to the project.
The Progress Association is contributing these funds in addition to Council’s $150,000, and President of the Association Dion LeBrun says this money had been set aside in a term deposit waiting for the right project to come along.
“Members overwhelmingly said ‘Well, this chance to open the jetty is what we would like the money spent on,’ so they voted on it and we went to Council,” Mr LeBrun says.
The plan to reopen the jetty involved reclassifying the amount of weight it can bear as pedestrian instead of commercial.
The next stage of works will include driving approximately 18 new piles, and installing roughly 6 new cross heads and associated bearer supports.
“This has given us a chance to get this open for a while – we don’t know for how long – but it’s going to buy time to maybe sort out a state-wide plan for all the jetties in the state… find a way to fund their repairs and their ongoing maintenance.”
Grateful Tumby Bay locals are rallying behind Maritime Constructions, who approached Council with this solution, providing workers with grocery vouchers and free smoko.
“It’s a really great show of community excitement and gratitude that they’ve said, ‘Thank you very much Maritime Constructions for helping make this happen, and it’s not much, but it’s the way we can show your staff how appreciative we are’.”
Mr LeBrun says the community are over the moon.
“Everyone knows that it’s not the end of the fight or the end of the game, but at least it’s going to get it open and people can use it again.
“Hopefully it’s not the last hurrah for the jetty, hopefully all communities in the state can negotiate with State Government and find a longer term solution.”
The Tumby Bay Progress Association say we may see the jetty reopen as soon as June.
