What is the problem and why do these Jetties need Saving?

North Warneet Jetty

The Problem in a nutshell (North Warneet Jetty)

The North Warneet Jetty has been assessed as unsafe for purpose by Parks Victoria who are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all jetties and piers in Victoria. Parks Victoria have fenced off and removed a section of the jetty near the shore end to prevent the public from accessing the Jetty. The jetty is now un useable even in the event of an emergency.

Why do we need to re-instate this Jetty?

Inadequate facilities - In adequate facilities cause people to "make do" and take risks. Risks lead to accidents and injury. There are over 90 boats moored in the estuary and thousands of boats that use the estuary to access Westernport via the estuary. It is vital that boat owners are able to access their boats for loading and unloading, taking on water and supplies, short term repairs and emergency situations at ALL states of tide. With the North Warneet jetty disabled there is only the facility for this activity for two boats at any one time (or possibly 4 if all four boats are less than 20 ft in length and all owners are very competent in boat handling)

The boat ramp does provide the facility for loading and unloading but really only during the launching and retrieving process, it is too busy for use outside of this and in addition there is insufficient water depth at low tide.

Safer Swimming - Locals have been swimming off the Warneet Jetty for years. The pontoon at the end provides an easy and safe access to swim at all levels of tide. The flow of the tide is also relatively sheltered in this area making it safe and easier for swimmers to enjoy a good cool off in the hot weather. Swimming is now effectively restricted to a small beach area outside the Warneet Motor Yacht club one hour either side of high tide. A community facility, originally built and paid for by the Warneet community denied.

Bushfire Safety - Warneet has no through road. It is a bushfire management overlay area. It shares a CFA authority with neghbouring coastal village Blind Bight. In the case of a bushfire disaster, the only safe evacuation point may be the Jetties, similar to the recent situation in Mallacouta during the bushfire disaster where local residents where evacuated by boat from the shore. Jetties provide access for rescue vessels at ALL states of tide.

Fishing and Leisure - The Warneet jetties are popular fishing spots. People come from far and wide to fish in the Warneet estuary and without the jetties this would not be possible for those without access to a boat. The jetties are also a great way for people to experience the feeling of being out on the water without having a boat. It is part of the magical experience of Warneet. The jetties have become a key part of the local heritage and environment.

South Warneet Jetty

The Problem in a nutshell (South Warneet Jetty)

The South Warneet Jetty originally had a large section at the end of the pier closed off after being assessed as unsafe for purpose by Parks Victoria. This reduced the available berthing space at the end of the pier by approximately a third. To make matters worse the entire South Jetty was closed on 20th September 2022 leaving no access to water at all states of tide for this busy boating and fishing community.

Why do we need to make sure this Jetty is fully functional?

Inadequate facilities - In adequate facilities cause people to "make do" and take risks. Risks lead to accidents and injury. There are over 90 boats moored in the estuary and thousands of boats that use the estuary to access Westernport via the estuary. It is vital that boat owners are able to access their boats for loading and unloading, taking on water and supplies, short term repairs and emergency situations at ALL states of tide. With the South Warneet jetty partially disabled and North Warneet jetty fully disabled there are now inadequate facilities for this activity. Only two boats at any one time (or possibly 4 if all four boats are less than 20 ft in length and all owners are very competent in boat handling) There is also insufficient facility for mooring dinghies and tenders.

The boat ramp does provide the facility for loading and unloading but really only during the launching and retrieving process, it is too busy for use outside of this and in addition there is insufficient water depth at low tide.

No facilities for Commercial Operation - The section at the end of the South Jetty provided a platform for commercial boating activity such as Ferries and Charter boats. Warneet is now "off the map" for such activity in Westernport

Bushfire Safety - Warneet has no through road. It is a bushfire management overlay area. It shares a CFA authority with neghbouring coastal village Blind Bight. In the case of a bushfire disaster, the only safe evacuation point may be the Jetties, similar to the recent situation in Mallacouta during the bushfire disaster where local residents where evacuated by boat from the shore. Jetties provide access for rescue vessels at ALL states of tide.

Fishing and Leisure - The Warneet jetties are popular fishing spots. People come from far and wide to fish in the Warneet estuary and without the jetties this would not be possible for those without access to a boat. The jetties are also a great way for people to experience the feeling of being out on the water without having a boat. It is part of the magical experience of Warneet. The jetties have become a key part of the local heritage and environment.