$50M FOR BOWEN JETTY

Coal Royalties Breathe New Life Into 150-Year-Old Structure

The future of the Bowen Jetty is looking more certain thanks to a significant cash injection which will ensure the longevity of the iconic wooden structure as it transitions to a new and exciting future purpose.

Coal mining royalties and the recent State Budget have allocated $50 million to future proof this vital asset, the government recognising the importance of the wharf for recreation and tourism.

The Bowen community are celebrating this week with news that their much-loved, 150-year-old jetty now has the adequate funding to plan for a sustainable future.

Currently the 640-metre-long structure is controlled and maintained by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) who moor three tugboats at the jetty.

Plans to permanently relocate these tugboats to Abbot Point have created uncertainty for the future of the wharf, and questions as to who will be responsible for its high maintenance costs.

Bruce Hedditch, President of the Bowen Chamber, said the chamber had been advocating for the funding for the jetty since 2016.

“This is a wonderful result for the Bowen community, it’s absolutely magnificent and I applaud the decision,” he said.

“Money is now available for proper planning and development, which is the way it should be.”

Mr Hedditch said that the relocation of the tugboats will likely take between five and 10 years and he is looking forward to working with other stakeholders to plan a bright new future for wharf.

“The Jetty is nearly as old as Bowen, at one point there were 600 wharfies working there!” he said.

“There is a lot of history there and we are looking at places like Busselton Jetty and hoping to make our jetty a leading tourist attraction too.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall applauded the funding announcement and said that Council looks forward to working with NQBP to explore a viable and sustainable solution to save the jetty.

“This funding now gives all stakeholders the opportunity to further investigate options for the jetty,” she said.

NQBP Acting CEO Belinda Kenny thanked the Queensland Government for its significant funding contribution towards the future of the Bowen Wharf.

“The $50 million injection in the State Budget will breathe new life into the Bowen Wharf,” she said.

“With this significant funding, visitors and locals alike will benefit from a revitalised public facility for generations to come.

“NQBP will soon commence engagement with stakeholders and the local community to shape the future of the wharf revitalisation project.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said that the government recognises the importance of the wharf as a recreational asset for families, boaties, fishos, walkers, photographers, and visitors to the region.

“The Bowen Wharf has played a significant role in Queensland’s history and the Bowen community for 150 years,” he said.

“We want to get this right, so following today’s investment, there will be extensive stakeholder and community consultation on planning and design and input into a business case that delivers the best outcome for the community.”

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Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall, and North Queensland Bulk Ports Acting CEO Belinda Kenny in Bowen for the announcement of the funding on Tuesday. Photo supplied

Local stakeholders and dignitaries gather at celebrate the $50 million funding announcement at the Bowen Jetty on Tuesday. Photo supplied

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