A country shire is wrangling with the Western Australian government over a $3 million pledge to fix the Australind Jetty after being asked to take ownership of the asset while future costs remain uncertain.
State Water Minister Dave Kelly in December allocated money to fix the 1.2-kilometre jetty in WA's south-west after it was closed more than a year ago because of safety concerns.
Last night, the Shire of Harvey baulked at the state government's request that the council take over the control and maintenance of the jetty, and questioned who would pay for its upkeep.
The state government built the jetty in the 1960's to support a nearby titanium extraction plant.
It is officially owned by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), although the shire said it had done little to maintain it.
Council wants a 'sweetener'
Initial estimates have suggested the jetty would cost up to $75,000 a year to maintain, although the council has requested more information.
Shire of Harvey president Paul Gillett said it was reluctant to take on another community asset.
"We've got enough community assets that we're struggling to keep up-to-date with," he said.
"[But] the rate payers aren't going to be left out of pocket [by] taking on another asset."
He said the shire would prefer that the government retained responsibility for the jetty.
"They would have to give us a pretty good sweetener, to be honest," Mr Gillet said.
A spokesperson for Mr Kelly said the jetty would be fixed and the $3-million pledge was not contingent on who was responsible for the jetty's future management.
Disappointed community
The delay has angered locals who said the community was missing out as the shire and government argued over ongoing costs.
Local man Matt Naught said he was frustrated the jetty had remained closed for so long.
"I would take my dogs down there and I'd be passing countless people, walking out there, and catching crabs.
"You'd see dolphins running up and down, catching fish."
More information coming
In a letter to the shire, DWER said it hoped to have more indicative costs to the council soon.
"DWER is consulting with the Department of Finance and hope to have the appointment of the project manager confirmed by the end of the month," it said.
It said a project manager would work closely with the council on the jetty's design and "the asset management plan to ensure the shire's expectations are met while minimising ongoing costs when the jetty transfers to the shire".
It is understood the $3m has been allocated for the next financial year.
