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Push to save Carnarvon’s One Mile jetty

Headshot of Adam Poulsen
Adam PoulsenMidwest Times
Carnarvon's iconic One Mile Jetty is 122 years old.
Camera IconCarnarvon's iconic One Mile Jetty is 122 years old. Credit: The West Australian

A fund to save Carnarvon’s historic One Mile Jetty from decay and restore it to its former glory has received a boost from a community charity.

The heritage-listed jetty was closed to the public in late 2017, when an investigation into its structural integrity revealed safety issues.

The Carnarvon Heritage Group, which has been campaigning to restore the 122-year-old landmark, estimate the project would cost about $5 million.

Recently, the group received a $2000 donation from the Carnarvon branch of the Australasian Order of Old Bastards, a charity and social group.

Carnarvon Heritage Group deputy chairman Eddie Smith said government and corporate funding was being sought to save the jetty — which the group believes faces the “very real threat” of demolition — but community support was also vital.

Old Bastards Carnarvon’s John Wheelock, left, with Carnarvon Yacht Club’s Jim Williams and Carnarvon Heritage Group’s Eddie Smith.
Camera IconOld Bastards Carnarvon’s John Wheelock, left, with Carnarvon Yacht Club’s Jim Williams and Carnarvon Heritage Group’s Eddie Smith. Credit: John McCloy

Committee member John McCloy said it was hoped the popular jetty could be restored to “walking standard” — an investment he said would bring tourists back to Carnarvon.

“It’s really important to the town that the jetty be saved, because of its historic value and its function as a tourist attraction,” he said.

“It was being used by about 100,000 people a year before it was closed and we are definitely losing tourists because of the closure. The town really needs that income.”

In a bid to save the jetty, Carnarvon Heritage Group has launched a crowdfunding campaign, which has so far raised more than $22,000.

Visit chuffed.org/project/save-the-one-mile-jetty to donate.

Old Bastards Carnarvon also donated $2000 to Carnarvon Yacht Club, to go towards dredging the Fascine and reopening the river mouth — which has been closed for about 18 months.

Last year alone the group raised $28,000 for local causes as well as other organisations including the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Cancer Council.

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