Concept designs for the Bowen Jetty are released

There’s $50 million on the table to replace the 156-year-old wharf at Queensland’s first ever port and the first concept designs have just been released. VOTE IN OUR POLL

The Bowen Jetty’s upgrade is one step closer.

A government grant has opened up a number of avenues to take an iconic North Queensland jetty back to its former glory and after community consultation has been conducted, with the first concept designs released today.

The state government had announced $50 million from coal royalties would go into repairing the Bowen Jetty in its 2023-2024 budget and since then locals were yet to get a clear idea on what a new jetty would look like.

North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) CEO Brendan Webb said community input had been integral to the design of the jetty made by consultant Arup, with 770 people giving their feedback through surveys, workshops and pop-ups.

“Bowen is renowned for its natural beauty and stunning coastal environment and the jetty designs seek to capitalise on these assets,” Mr Webb said.

Bowen Jetty proposed concept design. Picture: Contributed

Concept design of the Bowen Jetty 1.

The Bowen jetty is currently in a state of disrepair in certain parts, as a report stated it was “nearing the end of its economical service life,” with its structure disintegrating, and parts that cannot support more than 200kg at a time.

The jetty, which was originally built in 1867, is on the Whitsunday local heritage register as Bowen was the first port established in North Queensland.

But today, it lacks facilities, areas where people can sit down, and is mostly made up of concrete.

Bowen Jetty proposed concept design. Picture: Contributed

Concept design of the Bowen Jetty 2.

Key elements for the new jetty

The Bowen Jetty. Picture: Facebook

The jetty is envisaged as a “versatile hub”, with key elements including ample shade and seating for relaxing and socialising, bathrooms, dedicated fishing areas, accessibility provisions, as well as the integration of Juru People artwork.

Crowds flooded the jetty to witness the 2017 Bowen Offshore Superboats races.

Mr Webb said once changes to the jetty will be made it should boast a 100-year design life.

“We need to raise the deck height to cater for climate change, improve accessibility, add features and services, and provide emergency vehicle access, and by doing so the whole of the Bowen community will benefit from this new structure,” Mr Webb said.