July 17, 2024
Photo: Save Newhaven Jetty Facebook Page
Piers and jetties are deeply important community assets and provide many of us with access to our local waterways.
The local Bass Coast community are rallying to save the Newhaven jetty after it was closed to all public access indefinitely and without warning in May. They’re calling on the community to sign a petition to restore the jetty.
On 1 May 2024, Parks Victoria, who manages the jetty, revealed that their recent inspections at the jetty showed ‘structural failures’ at the pier and the recommendation was to close the jetty as it poses a ‘significant hazard’ to the public. This follows the closure of the southern section of the jetty in 2018.
Amanda Keilar, a local Bass Coast resident and Women in Recreational Fishing and Boating (WIRFAB) leader, has spearheaded the campaign to save the jetty and started a petition to be presented to the Victorian government.
THE PETITION
The Newhaven jetty was closed to public access indefinitely and without warning. A sign was erected on the gate citing structural failures that pose a significant hazard to visitors. The jetty is an iconic, historic and well used community asset and the closure is having a detrimental social and economic impact.
Our latest advocacy survey found more than 70% of recreational fishers go land-based fishing, which emphasises the importance of ensuring we have safe and ongoing access to our piers and jetties, as well as our shorelines and riverbanks.
