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27 August 2004
The Hon Bryan Green MHA,
Minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources,
GPO Box 1470,
Hobart, Tas. 7001
Dear Minister,
Deepwater Jetty – Triabunna
Further to your letter dated 11 August 2004 I discussed the latest MAST proposal with several commercial fishermen at Triabunna on 24 August 2004.
The general feeling was one of disappointment that the very important marine facility needs of the Triabunna based commercial fishing fleet were not being recognised or supported by MAST.
The proposed 40.8m. partial rebuild with a continuous level concrete deck is viewed as a very short sighted approach which would only be the absolute minimum marine facility that could reluctantly be acceptable to meet limited and current needs.
This is particularly as the first 19m. or so of the jetty (just beyond the start of the lower deck) cannot be used by fishing vessels because of the low water depth leaving only 21.8m. of space for vessels to tie up. On the western side there are at times exposed timber piles on the sea floor from a previous structure which further restricts this inshore usage as well.
It is our opinion that the best minimum option, at the cheapest cost, is to extend the current proposed length of the concrete deck by an extra 15m. to a total length of 56 metres. This would allow an acceptable 37m. of usable area for berthing of vessels on both sides (subject to sea and weather conditions) and would realistically meet the immediate and short term future loading and unloading needs of at least most users.
The other relevant issues are (in addition to those previously advised) –
• There are approximately 20 rock lobster, three shark, several scalefish and live fish, many abalone and in season scallop vessels resident at Triabunna with many visiting trawlers and commercial vessels along with pleasure craft all of which at times use the Deepwater Jetty.
We estimate that this number of vessels will increase in the near foreseeable future with more commercial vessels and pleasure craft likely to frequent the area.
• There are many times when commercial fishing vessels are just not able to unload live seafood product at the Council owned congested town jetty. The water temperature can reach 22 degrees C in summer and after rainfall events the fresh water adjacent to the Triabunna landing means that product has to be unloaded at Deepwater Jetty. There is no local alternative and the nearest unloading jetty is Dunalley some 35 kms away via the dangerous Marion Narrows (weather, sea and water temperature permitting) which for local vessels is totally unsatisfactory.
• The existing Triabunna town jetty berthing space and the remaining 15m. dedicated unloading area is becoming very congested with increasing demand from commercial, recreational and tourist vessels. The situation is bad now and is likely to become worse with the development projects, expanding population and more pleasure boats in this area.
We do agree with the following -
• usage of the upgraded jetty should be limited to vessels up to 25m. (i.e. not 20m) in length;
• the jetty should be used for loading and unloading purposes only. A sign prohibiting vehicle use on the jetty except for loading and unloading of vessels would be appropriate;
• a 10 tonne GVM vehicle capacity should be imposed;
• fendering, bollards, lighting and water are all very important;
• a continuous deck at one level with the new concrete ramp would be ideal, and
• the balance of the remaining structure of some 15m. could be leased to private interests under conditions relating to maintenance etc. or could be demolished.
I want to reiterate that TFIC and the local fishermen as well as recreational users see this jetty as an essential facility that is used regularly and there is no realistic alternative.
Ideally the whole jetty should be rebuilt with a T section at the end but we accept the current political need to limit the upgrading costs so a 56m. length if properly constructed would be acceptable.
We are very much aware that MAST does not have the funds to carry out such a proposal because by a government policy decision these types of projects are funded out of the Government Infrastructure Fund and that is the appropriate funding source for this rebuild.
Your earliest action to progress this jetty rebuild as quickly as possible would be appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
R.K. LISTER
Chief Executive
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