Jetty to float in 2011

The State Government will invest $240,000 towards building a floating jetty at Koombana Beach through an initiative with the South West Development Commission.

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls, who was in Bunbury on Friday to make the announcement, said the floating jetty was expected to be ready for use by the end of January.

He said the funding would help the Koombana Bay Sailing Club to proceed with the project, which would involve assembling 10 pontoons adjacent to the existing groyne.

"Though the pontoons will be anchored by pylons driven into the sand, they will be able to be removed and brought ashore in response to weather conditions," Mr Grylls said.

"As well as allowing bigger boats to have better access to the shore, the new jetty will also act as a tourist asset with the potential to support a number of activities.

"In addition, the new jetty will provide greater accessibility for participants of Rotary’s Sail into Life, a program for people with disabilities who enjoy sailing."

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli said he looked forward to seeing the end product of all the floating facilities when they were completed.

Koombana Bay Sailing Club vice-commodore David Doherty said the club had worked hard over the years with organisations such as South West Cruising Association, West Coast Outriggers and Bunbury Power Boat Club to combine a regional boating facility.

"This will be a huge benefit to the local boating community in general," he said.

Koombana Bay Sailing Club’s application for jetty funding was also supported by the Rotary Sail into Life program and the Dolphin Discovery Centre.

ADAM ORLANDO

BUNBURY HERALD