State steps in with $750k to replace rusting Straddie jetty

The Harold Walker jetty at Straddie will keep its name even after it is ripped down and replaced — news welcomed by the Walker family.

The condemned jetty at Dunwich will be replaced but no date has been set.

The jetty at Straddie will keep its name even after it is ripped down and replaced with a new $750,000 structure.

The Harold Walker jetty was built in Dunwich in 1987, taking the name from the island’s popular ferry captain, whose son Simon Walker, welcomed news of a replacement.

“I am pleased that a jetty with dad’s name on it will remain at Straddie,” Mr Walker said.

“Lots of people knew dad because he operated the Vega One and Vega Two.”

The Vega One, above, was operated by Harold Walker and Mr Walker’s son Simon welcomed the news.

The state government will pick up the tab to fix the rusting fishing jetty after blaming the local council for failing to maintain the structure.

The state government has stumped up $750,000 to replace the condemned Harold Walker Jetty at Dunwich, after a protracted blame game and war of words with Redland City Council over ownership.

The jetty has been a popular fishing spot for locals for more than 30 years.

But a bitter wrangle broke out between Redland City Council and the state government when it was found to be corroding and neither was willing to pay to fix it.

It was shut to the public last year, resulting in a massive public backlash and protest.

Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson sponsored a petition to keep the jetty and had the support from the Walker family.

Angry residents staged a protest rally after Transport Minister Mark Bailey fired off a letter to Redland mayor Karen Williams distancing his ministry from the decision to rip down the 34-year-old structure and blaming Redland City Council for not maintaining it.

Protesters showed both levels of government they wanted their jetty to stay.

Mr Bailey said the government would replace the jetty even though he said its maintenance was neglected by the Redland City Council.

Cr Williams has welcomed the news after she stepped in to stop the structure being demolished.

“This is a win for common sense and I thank the minister for listening to my wishes as well as those of the community,” she said.

“The state’s plans to tear down this much loved jetty caused a great deal of concern in the community and I know local residents will be very happy with the minister’s decision not to proceed with the demolition.

“I am also pleased to read that the tate will be engaging with the community about the jetty and I would be pleased to assist in any way I can.”

Cr Williams said she had spoken with the Simon Walker, son of the late Harold Walker, who shared her appreciation of the Minister’s decision.

“I called Harold’s son, Simon, this morning and he was very happy and appreciated the minister’s commitment to fixing the jetty,” she said.

“I told Simon that when the work was complete and the jetty ready to be opened again, I would be happy to join him and the minister in cutting the ribbon.”

The Dunwich jetty has been condemned by the state and will be replaced.

State officials had previously offered to foot half the bill but the state said Redland council had refused to pick up the other half.

The council said it would consider funding arrangements after a full masterplan for Dunwich was finalised.

Mr Bailey said he did not want to delay replacing the jetty and said there was no link with the masterplan.

We love our jetty: protesters at a rally to save the Harold Walker jetty.

“Building this new structure is subject to council taking on responsibility of maintaining it, which the state government will fund, consistent with what is done right across the state, and for other marine infrastructure in Redlands,” Mr Bailey said.

“I encourage council to ensure locals are involved in that state-funded maintenance work moving forward, to help build capacity on Minjerribah.”

Demolition of the jetty will be on hold while the community is consulted but it will remain closed to the public and off limits for fishing.

The memorial plaque will remain in place and the wooden Harold Walker Jetty sign will be displayed at the museum while the replacement jetty is being constructed.