East Fremantle Confronts $375,000 Emergency to Repair Hazardous Swan River Jetties
The Town of East Fremantle is in a frantic race against time to secure an additional $375,000 required to address urgent structural and safety deficiencies at jetties along the iconic Swan River. This financial scramble follows a damning inspection report that uncovered severe deterioration at the Mooring Jetties and Leeuwin Boat Ramp, facilities for which the town holds maintenance responsibility under a seabed lease with the State Government.
Inspection Reveals Critical Deterioration and Safety Hazards
An inspection conducted last year by Indianic Group exposed alarming conditions at both locations. While the piles were assessed as being in fair condition, the topside steel structures were found to be in poor shape, exhibiting severe to heavy rusting throughout. Additionally, some timber piling showed a moderate to heavy degree of rotting, and conduit piping beneath the jetties had become dislodged, partially falling into the water.
The recommended works are classified as high priority, particularly those involving the headstocks, which are critical structural components. Repairing the conduit piping is also urgent, as it could pose a significant safety hazard if it contains active cabling. These facilities were notably absent from the town's asset management plans and lack a dedicated maintenance budget, compounding the crisis.
Financial Strain and Budgetary Pressures Mount
To date, the town has expended nearly $100,000 this financial year on these two facilities, with approximately $22,000 allocated solely for inspections. The total cost for the critical works is estimated at $376,588.50, covering essential repairs at the mooring pens and replacement of the steel subframe at the Leeuwin Boat Ramp.
Mayor Tony Natale highlighted the severe budget constraints, noting that income from the jetties amounts to around $170,000. After accounting for fixed costs, this leaves only about $90,000 available to address the pressing issues. "Be prepared to talk about what is needed and be a little bit innovative in how we deliver what we need to service," Mayor Natale cautioned during a council meeting.
Unanimous Council Action and Future Considerations
At its March 17 meeting, the East Fremantle Town Council voted unanimously to consider incorporating funds for these essential works into the 2026-27 budget. Furthermore, the council authorised the CEO to explore options for divesting the town of the Mooring Jetties. A report presented to the council emphasised that, due to the associated risks, the work must proceed regardless of any future decisions regarding ownership.
Councillor Mark Wilson, chair of the town's works committee, expressed concern over the short notice of the inspection report but welcomed the inclusion of the facilities on the town's assets register. "The report clearly indicates the mooring pens outside the Left Bank and the jetty structures and the boat ramp are in need of immediate works," he stated.
Potential Funding Avenues and Broader Financial Context
A potential lifeline may exist through the State Government's recreational boating facilities scheme, which can cover up to three-quarters of the costs. Meanwhile, a mid-year budget review for 2025-26 projected a surplus of $209,020, which the town plans to reserve as a safety net for the East Fremantle Community Park budget, underscoring the broader financial pressures facing the municipality.
This situation underscores the critical need for proactive infrastructure management and adequate funding allocation to ensure public safety and preserve vital community assets along Western Australia's cherished waterways.
