The Badu Island jetty will be closed to the public until early August as repair works to improve the infrastructure’s safety and accessibility get under way. Photo: Supplied.
Badu Island residents will be able to utilise the community jetty from early next month as urgent repair work to improve the public safety of the infrastructure commences.
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), in consultation with Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), has started work on repairing the damaged jetty through the State Government’s Torres Strait Islands Marine Infrastructure Program (TSIMIP) in a bid to improve accessibility and safety.
The jetty is currently closed to the public and will be restricted by contractor Carpentaria Contracting until repairs are complete.
Carpentaria Contracting was also contracted by MSQ in mid-2023 to undertake “repair and make safe” works to reopen the damaged jetty.
The current scope of works for the jetty include the replacement of missing deck planks, the replacement of missing and rotted handrails, rust removal and painting, and the replacement of berthing fenders and waler beams.
Repairs will take about four weeks to complete, weather and construction condition permitting, with the majority of works being undertaken during the day, while some night works will take advantage of favourable tides.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish thanked the Badu Island community for its patience with the project.
“The jetty at Badu is a vital piece of infrastructure for the community, and these repairs are essential to restore safe access,” he said.
“I thank the people of Badu for their patience and understanding while we deliver a safer, more reliable jetty.”
TSIRC chief executive officer James William said the works represented a “significant milestone” in the TSIMIP.
“Marine infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing connectivity between communities and ensuring the delivery of essential services,” he said.
“The initiation of repair upgrades at Badu marks a significant milestone in the Torres Strait Islands Marine Infrastructure Program.”
