Three options emerge for potential Geraldton jetty as councillors set to vote on whether project can be funded

An investigation into a jetty for Geraldton has identified three locations for potential construction — and one preferred option — with estimated price tags ranging from $12 million to $24 million. Following a popular community campaign advocating for a multi-use jetty in Geraldton, the City of Greater Geraldton undertook a study earlier this year. The options analysis, put together by Remplan and MP Rogers & Associates, identified three locations for a jetty. Option one would see a 125 metre jetty constructed from the spur breakwater towards the southern end of Midalia’s Beach. The $11.9m construction estimate is the same as the proposed option three, which is a 125m jetty at the Durlacher Street groyne, near Dome Cafe. Meanwhile, option two would see the groynes at Midalia’s beach connected through a walkway jetty, with a 125m extension in the middle heading out to the ocean. The option was the most expensive, with an estimated cost of $24.1m. A breakdown of each option saw similarities between the proposed spur breakwater jetty and the Durlacher Street groyne jetty, having a construction timeline of two years, a more than $1.5m maintenance fee across 10 years, and a $2.5m demolition fee at the end of its 50-year life. Meanwhile, the Midalia’s Beach jetty would need an extra four months to be completed compared to the other options, more than double the 10-year maintenance cost, and would cost $5m to demolish after 50 years. The two options at Midalia’s Beach would both see more foot traffic than the Town Beach option, according to the report, due to the catchment of residents and workers within a 15-minute walking distance. It was estimated options one and three would boost the local economy by $19.5m, inclusive of construction costs, as well as creating 19 jobs. Meanwhile, the higher price tag of option two would result in a $39.6m boost and 30 jobs. A cost benefit analysis, which considered the development and maintenance costs and potential benefits with tourism and recreational fishing over a 20-year period, saw the Durlacher Street groyne jetty produce the highest net benefit out of all the options. The study concluded the preliminary jetty costs were “significantly higher than recently completed or commenced capital works projects within Greater Geraldton and there is limited precedent for capital works projects of this size in Geraldton”. “This project involves significant investment, without funding assistance the project may have implications for other council priorities,” the report reads. A “simplistic” ranking system was used to rate the three options, with option three — the Durlacher Street groyne jetty —coming out on top as the preferred option. City of Greater Geraldton councillors are set to vote on whether officers should look into methods to finance the project at the council meeting on Tuesday, November 26. At the council agenda forum this week, the city confirmed verbal discussions had taken place with the representatives from the State and Federal governments over funding, but neither was willing to commit until a detailed business case was complete. It was also heard more costs could come into consideration, should infrastructure on land be required at any of the locations.