Bowen Jetty $50m makeover discussion with community

There’s $50 million on the table to replace the 156-year-old wharf at Queensland’s first ever port. But some in the Whitsundays are taking a stand to the proposal.

A Whitsundays man tells of the importance of keeping a landmark wharf and renovate it, instead of building another one from scratch as a government grant has opened up avenues to take it back to its “former glory”. Picture: Contributed

Bowen Chamber of Commerce chairman Bruce Hedditch says it is important to keep the town’s landmark wharf and renovate it instead of building another one from scratch, as a government grant has opened up a number of avenues to take the iconic jetty back to its former glory.

The Bowen Wharf, constructed in 1867, is on the Whitsunday local heritage register as Bowen was the first port established in North Queensland.

It was announced earlier this year that a project to revitalise the 450m-long jetty had been discussed with North Queensland Bulk Ports, which owns the wharf, and work should start by the middle of next year.

This comes as a report says the jetty was “nearing the end of its economical service life,” with its structure disintegrating, and parts that cannot support more than 200kg at a time.

It stated that the $50m grant would go towards “replacing” the wharf.

Bowen Jetty, ca. 1888 John Alexander Pitcairn worked as a carpenter on the original building of the wharf.

Mr Hedditch said he wanted to make sure all avenues were explored to assess whether renovating the existing wharf instead of building a new one was achievable.

“We need the comment from the community,” he said, referring to the community consultation that had just started on the matter.

“Because, from where I stand, Bowen doesn’t have enough tourism activity, and jetties around the world are a huge drawcard for tourists,” Mr Hedditch said.

“There’s so many things that could be done and developed on our jetty, and we just need to have the right plan in place.”

Bowen Chamber of Commerce chairman Bruce Hedditch on the town's foreshore with the town jetty and Abbott Point tugs. Picture: Evan Morgan

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said the department was aware of community interest around the project, while a North Queensland Bulk Ports spokeswoman said a consultant would undertake community consultation and deliver a finalised concept design.

“Options from replacement to refurbishment are being assessed considering the significant funding contribution from the state,” she said.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said council looked forward to working with NQBP to explore a “viable and sustainable” option to give a new lease of life to the jetty.

“Hopefully the community consultation and funding let them deliver a positive outcome as Bowen residents recognise the importance of the jetty to the town’s heritage, recreation, and tourism,” she said.

You can fill out the survey about the Bowen jetty here.