Tensions over the future of the Warneet jetties are threatening to spill overboard.
The North jetty was closed in June 2020 due to safety concerns, as was a section of the South jetty, before it was completely shut by Parks Victoria on 20 September.
Parks Victoria believe the North jetty needs to be replaced, however, locals believe the existing structure can be restored.
Commodore of the Warneet Motor Yacht Club Alex Stroud said the club and the Warneet Foreshore Committee of Management secured the services of an independent engineer to inspect the North jetty in June, who presented a report that determined it could be repaired at a significantly lower cost than what had been suggested by Parks Victoria.
They claim that the plans were rejected by Better Boating Victoria, to the dismay of Mr Stroud.
“The heart and soul of the community has been ripped out,” he said.
“Land-based fisherman cannot fish off of either jetty.
“We’re not getting anywhere. We’ve spent money ourselves on engineering reports but they still won’t work with us.”
The committee and the club have requested engineering reports from Better Boating Victoria but say they have not received them.
Club member and Foreshore Committee of Management member Keith Williams said it was “ludicrous” that the Southern Jetty had been closed.
“Parks Victoria closed it entirely and we have no idea why,” Mr Williams said.
“We think there are alternatives available but we need to see the engineer’s report.
“We’re just trying to help. We believe that if the main structure is still in good condition, that we can repair it for less than $350,000.”
A spokesperson from Better Boating Victoria reiterated their stance that the jetties were closed to ensure public safety.
“We understand the importance of Warneet jetties to the local community and we are working with Parks Victoria to progress detailed designs as part of the Warneet Boating Precinct Plan,” the spokesperson said.
Ahead of summer, the importance of the jetties cannot be understated.
Jetties became a life-saving resource during the deadly Black Summer fires in 2019-20, as many used the jetties at Mallacoota to escape the flames.
Should Warneet, a town only accessible via Warneet Road, face similar circumstances and Warneet Road become inaccessible, the jetties may become the only safe exit strategy.
Now situated in the seat of Bass, the issue is shaping as a key topic ahead of November’s State Election.
Liberal candidate Aaron Brown said he was attempting to secure $500,000 in funding from the party to repair the North jetty, based on quotes received from the Foreshore Committee of Management.
“If I am elected in November I will advocate for both jetties to be repaired and re-opened,” Mr Brown said.
“I am disappointed that the government has chosen to not maintain the Warneet jetties adequately over many years. This lack of maintenance of jetties has occurred all over Victoria and has most likely been used as a justification to close these important community assets.
“That the Warneet and surrounding community has been left with no jetty access for an undefined period of time is unacceptable.
“The Liberal Party recognises some of these state-wide issues and has introduced a policy to return fishing and boating licence revenue to fishing and boating assets, which could be up to $40 million per year.”
Independent candidate Jeni Jobe said she would advocate for the maintenance and responsibility of jetty infrastructure to be a matter for Better Boating Victoria as opposed to Parks Victoria as a “more logical” option, and for the community to be actively included in a “transparent and meaningful consultation process” on the future of the jetties.
“I support Alex Stroud’s call to have the community infrastructure restored as soon as possible,” Ms Jobe said.
“I am currently advocating for the jetties to be restored and sharing Warneet’s situation with other waterline townships.”
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said the government is continuing to work with the parties involved.
“I want to emphasise that we continue to work to progress the next steps, with Better Boating Victoria, as part of the Warneet Boating Precinct Plan,” Ms Crugnale said.
“A priority of this work, is that detailed designs for the North and South jetties are expected in the coming weeks. I have no doubt that we can all work productively, and collectively, towards getting them funded.”
Nationals candidate Brett Tassari said he is also advocating for the jetties to be repaired and reopened.
Detailed designs for the Warneet boating precinct, including engineering reports, are set to be released in late 2022 when they are finalised.
