11 November 2003
Memo to: TFIC Members (as addressed)
Triabunna Deepwater Jetty
This memo is to inform you about the future of this jetty.
Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) has received consultant’s advice that this facility is in very poor structural condition and is nearing the end of a useful life. MAST has therefore decided that maintenance works and associated expenditure can no longer be justified.
The maximum load limit of 60 tonnes for vessels to tie up means that most large vessels and trawlers could not legitimately use the jetty either for unloading or as a lay up berth.
One option facing MAST was to rebuild the jetty at a prohibitive cost which with the limited usage could not be justified. Another option was to completely demolish the facility in the near future or when the jetty became unsafe.
A third option is now being progressed in which MAST has reached an in principle agreement with Peter Whittaker and Barry Buckley to take over the facility as an addition to their adjacent and upgraded fish processing facility. I am advised that this transfer in ownership may be completed before Christmas.
A condition of the transfer is that a lower landing stage and a new walkway will be built as a dedicated load/unload berth as per the enclosed plan.
MAST will be responsible for this new addition which will be available for general use as a public facility. Unfortunately there will only be pedestrian access which will cause some inconvenience to local fishermen who occasionally unload product at this point.
It is certainly most unfortunate that we cannot retain this jetty in the present form but the only other viable option was demolition which would not have suited anyone.
If you wish to discuss this matter you can contact Trevor Faust at MAST on 6233 8801 or myself at TFIC.
R.K. LISTER
Chief Executive