Access to the Sunset Beach jetty will be restricted for up to six weeks while $90,000 worth of works is carried out to upgrade the public section of the popular Soldiers Point structure.
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The works, which will include the replacement of timber slats, some pylons and the installation of more bins for fishing waste, is being funded by residents of The Moorings who own berths in the private marina at the end of the jetty.
"It is unusual that such a large structure like the jetty, which the public can use, is privately funded," Peter Saxon-Williams, secretary of the Moorings Marina Committee, said.
"We believe it's the only strata title-funded and managed jetty in Port Stephens."
Residents of The Moorings, a community of 23 units located directly adjacent to the entry of the jetty, who own a berth in the marina each have an equal share in Cromarty Village Marina Pty Ltd, which owns the jetty as a whole.
Berth owners contribute money each quarter to cover the jetty's maintenance and electricity costs.
"Not everyone in The Moorings has a berth but those that do contribute to the costs of running the jetty," Moorings Marina Committee member Hugh Mountford said.
"We also provide the bins for fishing line and waste - the jetty is very popular for fishing - which we empty regularly."
When required, large-scale improvement works are carried out on the jetty, which was installed in the late 1980s.
Upgrades have been made to the entrance of the jetty and the private marina in recent years. The current bout of works will be done to the mid-section of the jetty.
Slats of a timber substitute, designed for long lasting life around water, will be laid on the jetty and eroded pylons will be replaced.
More bins made of PCV pipes, designed for fishing waste, and signage will be installed on the light poles along the jetty.
The move is to address concerns from the public about fishing line and hooks being discarded on the timber planking, an issue that was highlighted in a letter to the Examiner on March 4 by Soldiers Point resident Chris Bult.
Mr Saxon-Williams said as part of the refurbishment, the committee will install two additional bins to "attempt to control pollution".
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
