Safety of tourists at risk as Green Island jetty ‘rots away’

Urgent repairs to a ramshackle jetty at one of Queensland’s most popular island getaways are being called for with tourism leaders flagging serious concerns for the safety of visitors and vessels.

Hundreds of visitors from across the world travel to Green Island, east of Cairns, every day. Picture: Brendan Radke.

Urgent repairs to a ramshackle jetty at one of Queensland’s most popular island getaways are being called for with tourism leaders flagging serious concerns for the safety of visitors and vessels if multiple issues aren’t fixed soon.

But the state-owned asset’s manager claims that lengthy delays in sourcing key materials have hampered works on the stunning island’s dilapidated infrastructure.

Green Island, located around 30km east of Cairns, draws more than 300,000 visitors each year with tourists from around the world eager to explore the coral cay’s neighbouring reefs and pristine white sand beaches.

The support structure for the stepped landing at the elbow of the Green Island jetty is in urgent need of repair, Far North MP Michael Healy says.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said a broken pylon and corroded structures ran in stark contrast to the quality tourism experiences provided by reef operators based on the island.

“If the government is serious about tourism and investment in the Far North, something needs to be done and it needs to be in the state budget,” the former tourism minister said.

“The private sector is running world-class tours off this island. I hope the government is equally committed to delivering infrastructure of a similar standard.”

Timber runners along the end of the Green Island jetty have "failed" with a board strapped to them to try and hold them in place.

Reef boat operators have raised concerns with Ports North about some of the support structures underneath the Green Island jetty.

Mr Healy called on Member for Barron River, Bree James, who is the assistant tourism minister, to address the issue with concern that the island’s infrastructure is “rotting away”.

“What is the Member Barron River doing to help tourism operators?” Mr Healy said.

“Their commitment to the sector is seriously in question. They can’t even maintain basic infrastructure which jeopardises the safety of visitors to our region.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy is calling for jetty repairs on Green Island to be included in the state budget. Picture: Samuel Davis

Quicksilver Group managing director Tony Baker, whose company runs the hotel and other tour experiences on the island, confirmed that maintenance of the jetty had been an ongoing concern.

“There are a number of things that need to be repaired,” Mr Baker said. “We’re managing our operations around those repairs. It’s with Ports North but I haven’t had an update with them personally.”

Green Island, a small island off the coast of Cairns, is situated in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

Corrosion in the lower decks could soon affect the weight bearing load on the structure, Experience Co CEO John O’Sullivan said.

“Our understanding is that access to the jetty could be restricted if it gets worse,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“That affects how many boats can pull up (at the jetty). If the issue isn’t addressed then it becomes worrisome.”

In a statement, Ms James said she was seeking further information into the jetty’s condition and potential solutions.

“Green Island is one of the many wonders of Far North and I continue to strongly advocate for its future,” she said.

“I understand its importance to the region and as such, I am following up with the appropriate departments for more information.”

A spokeswoman for Ports North, who manage the state asset, said materials to fix the jetty had been difficult to source.

“Naturally durable, untreated timber piles are required to undertake repairs to the jetty fender system,” the spokeswoman said.

“A specific type of wood is required and the necessary components were ordered in September 2024, however, they are yet to be received noting this specific timber is subject to significant lead time.

“Regular inspections of the jetty are undertaken which has informed ongoing maintenance activities along with the longer term planning for major maintenance.”

Originally published as Safety of tourists at risk as Green Island jetty ‘rots away’