Eastern Breakwater Tourism Jetty
In August 2020, the Minister for Transport appointed MWPA as the lead agency for the delivery of a Geraldton Tourism Jetty to benefit commercial tourism in the region.
The project is being funded as part of the McGowan Government WA COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
MWPA will construct, operate, and maintain the jetty and navigable approach channel.
SMC Marine has been appointed as the construction contractor. Works have commenced and construction is expected to take around 5 months.
Provided by WGA
Jetty Design
A precast plank and beam, pile jetty will be constructed midway along the Geraldton Esplanade (Eastern Breakwater). The jetty has been designed to accommodate vessels greater than 25m in length.
The Esplanade is a tourist friendly location with easy access from the city centre and to services on the foreshore.
Access to the jetty will be limited to licenced commercial tourism operators with security on the gangway, similar to that within the Batavia Coast Marina.
Approach Channel
MWPA applied for and received approval to develop a dedicated approach channel for the Eastern Breakwater Tourism Jetty.
If required, the inner section of a new channel will be levelled with a drag plough to achieve a declared depth of -3.0m Chart Datum (current depths range from -2.5m to -3.3m). No dredging is required.
The channel and jetty design have been optimised to minimise seagrass disturbance.
The approach channel provides a 100m offset from Seal Rocks and minimises interaction with sea lions and ships entering the commercial harbour.
Environmental Impact Assessments and Management Plans
The project has been assessed and no significant impacts to the marine environment identified. MWPA has developed management plans and commissioned key environmental studies to inform the design, management, and ongoing monitoring of the facility.
To establish the approach channel, MWPA has applied for a Native Vegetation Clearing Permit for the permanent removal of a small area of seagrass identified within the approach channel.
Environmental Impact Assessment Report
Technical Appendices
Benthic Communities and Habitat Mapping
Sediment Characterisation Report
Seagrass Cumulative Loss Assessment
Native Vegetation Clearing Permit
Native Vegetation Clearing Permit
