The jetties on Moa Island are falling apart, and due to be fixed. Photo: MSQ.
The Queensland Government has earmarked two “Blue Highway” jetties on Moa Island for restoration as part of the ongoing $40 million Torres Strait Islands Marine Infrastructure Program, which still has two years to go.
Marine Safety Queensland (MSQ) has been working with councils to repair and upgrade priority marine facilities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.
The program aims to improve safety and access between communities in the Northern Peninsula Area on Cape York and the Torres Strait.
Cook MP David Kempton said the Crisafulli Government was moving forward with the restoration works on the Moa Island jetties, which were critical for connecting communities.
“This project will fix critical structural and safety issues, with new decking and handrails and essential repairs to ensure the structure is safer, more resilient and built to last,” Mr Kempton said, adding that waterways were the highways of the northern communities.
When the work is finished, Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) will be able to reopen both jetties.
Construction will proceed in stages, with work on the jetty at St Pauls (Wug) scheduled to start late this year. Work on the Kubin (Arkai) jetty is due to begin in early 2027, weather and conditions permitting.
“Make-safe” work is due to start later this year. Photo: MSQ.
Both of the jetties were closed by the council for public safety due to damage and deterioration. The work will address key structural issues identified by inspections and stakeholder consultation.
Damaged decking and handrails will be replaced, as well as other key components, to make sure the jetties are resilient, durable and safe.
The jetties will be made of recycled plastic and glass fibre reinforced polymer components where possible because the materials are corrosion resistant and well suited to harsh marine environments, helping reduce ongoing maintenance.
MSQ has been working with TSIRC, Carpentaria Marine Services and other stakeholders to plan to deliver the restoration work safely in the remote marine environment.
Far North Queensland-based Carpentaria Marine Services has been awarded the “make-safe” contract to repair the jetties.
MSQ is due to provide more information to the St Pauls and Kubin communities before construction begins.
Meanwhile, MSQ has completed a concept plan and community consultation for a proposed new boating facility at Quarantine, in consultation with Torres Shire Council.
Detailed design and permit application work is underway and construction is due to start in the middle of next year.
Work already finished under the program includes the restoration of the Dauan and Badu jetties.
