State Government RBFS grant funding allocation not enough for Port Denison recreational jetty upgrade

The Shire of Irwin’s application for funding to repair the deteriorated facilities at Port Denison Boat Harbour has been partly successful, after receiving less than half of what is needed to upgrade the recreational jetty. The shire was allocated $365,000 in the latest round of the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme after initially applying for the $750,000 required to upgrade both the ageing boat ramp finger jetty and recreational jetty. Shire president Mark Leonard said while the shire was grateful for the funding, the reduced amount “significantly affects” what can be repaired and was not enough to complete all urgent works. “We will still be able to demolish and remove our recreational jetty and pens, but we will not be able to replace any part of the recreational jetty,” Cr Leonard said. Residents and visitors to Dongara are unable to fish or moor off the recreational jetty after it was closed to the public more than 19 months ago. A Department of Transport spokesperson said funding, which would see the finger jetty upgraded to a floating pontoon, was allocated due to the high demand on the boat ramp and poor condition of the finger jetty. “The new floating finger jetty will bring the facility in to line with contemporary standards for boat ramp design, and significantly enhance safety and usability for recreational boaters,” the spokesperson said. The shire requires an additional $5 million in funding to complete the wider Port Denison boat ramp redevelopment project, which plans to upgrade the boat ramp to feature three ramps and expand car and trailer parking, but Cr Leonard said the shire’s priority was to repair the jetty and boat ramp so it was operating and safe. “The Shire of Irwin will continue to lobby the State Government for equitable funding in order to provide fair outcomes for our community, ratepayers, local businesses and tourism operators,” he said. “I have confidence that our relevant State Government ministers are keen to support regional and rural WA, and once aware of our shire’s critical need, will take urgent steps to assist in addressing these issues.” It is one of seven projects to secure a portion of $2.2 million in round 29 of the RBFS. Tenders are expected to be released in the coming months, with the shire hopeful to have works undertaken during winter.