Scylla Bay jetty located at the head of Scylla Bay, Como, has been reopened to the public following urgent repairs to make the jetty safe until a new permanent structure is built.
Last year Sutherland Shire Council structural engineers discovered that termites had caused major structural damage to the jetty during a routine maintenance inspection of the jetty’s decking.
As a safety measure, council closed the jetty to the public and notified the St George Rowing Club which uses the jetty weekly.
After a thorough assessment of the jetty’s condition, the latest repairs include the replacement of an eight metre section with 40 decking boards as well as the jetty handrail which is approximately 40 metres long.
The repairs will keep the jetty serviceable until such time as council’s long term plans for the jetty and surrounding recreational area are implemented as part of the Scylla Bay Masterplan. This will mean that the new jetty will be constructed in the 2014/2015 financial year with the other upgrades relating to the Masterplan to be implemented over a number of years.
Sutherland Shire Mayor Steve Simpson said the scope of the Masterplan includes improvements to the nearby ovals which are used for cricket, rugby and other sports, an upgrade of the boat ramp, installation of a floating pontoon, a new jetty, an upgraded carpark and dredging of Scylla Bay.
“ Extensive stakeholder consultation was undertaken as part of the development of the Scylla Bay Masterplan including detailed discussions with sporting clubs including the St George Rowing Club and an on-site information session with the local community, ” the Mayor said.
“ Proposals to install a new jetty, provide a low tide pontoon and upgrade the boat ramp received a high level of support from the community and will improve the recreational amenity of this beautiful location for both locals and visitors, ” said the Mayor.
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Press Release, April 1, 2014