Esperance Tanker Jetty timbers donated to Kambalda Men’s Shed

Timber from the Esperance Tanker Jetty will be sent beyond the bounds of the beachside town after a controversial council decision on Tuesday.

The Kambalda Men’s Shed will receive grade-three timber to make bread boards, coffee tables and other furniture — and it will be the first of the timber sent further afield than Esperance.

Opposition to the decision stemmed from the Men’s Shed’s application, which stated “Kambalda people holiday in Esperance” as the reason for being a worthy recipient.

Some Shire of Esperance councillors feared once the floodgates were opened to holidaymakers, the timbers could travel beyond the Goldfields.

But Shire of Esperance president Ian Mickle said the decision recognised the jetty had significant value for people beyond the isolated town.

“We know Kalgoorlie and surrounding areas always consider us as their beach,” he said.

“They had desired to obtain timber to do things to acknowledge their experience with the old jetty.

“They are a very worthy group.”

As a part of the dismantling of the Esperance Tanker Jetty, the historic timber has been salvaged for future use.

Architects have developed a sorting matrix for the classification of timber into four categories.

Grade-three timbers are considerably weathered, enlarged and deteriorated because of exposure to the salty elements.

The damaged lengths of wood are intended for small-scale domestic and community use.

Timber was also given to Esperance Senior High School for student use.