Marlston Jetty

Project Overview

Marlston Jetty

The City of Bunbury is exploring opportunities to restore and reactivate the Marlston Jetty that is currently closed to the public.

We want to hear from you — our community — to understand whether this jetty is something you would use if it were brought back into operation.

Would you moor your boat and visit one of the locals for a bite to eat? Fish from it? Launch a kayak? Enjoy the view? We know jetties are more than just infrastructure, they’re part of Bunbury’s identity. They connect people to the water, support recreation and tourism, and hold deep sentimental value for many residents. That’s why we’re asking for input.

Your feedback will help us understand our communities needs and potential to revitalise this local asset through funding support from the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme.

Before progressing, we want to better understand how our community feels about the jetty and whether it’s something they would utilise if it was brought back into operation.

Share your thoughts online through the survey link below!

Located on the Marlston Waterfront at Bonnefoi Boulevard, Marlston Jetty is one of Bunbury's marine assets amongst an additional seven other local jetties.   

Constructed circa 2000 as a part of the Bunbury Harbour City - Marlston Hill development, the Marlston Jetty was then gifted to the City of Bunbury. 

The jetty was damaged in two storm events in 2018 and 2019 and then closed to the public so the City could undertake repairs. Emergency works were undertaken in 2019 however the jetty was not reopened as the City found that the adjoining seawall to which the structure is attached had also been damaged.

The City has since undertaken foundation repairs to stabilise a section of the wall and sought geotechnical engineering advice relating to the remainder of the wall. Stabilisation works were completed in March 2021 and the jetty was reinstated however further damage to the timber stringers was seen caused by up force of the tidal water. During a subsequent inspection, damage was found to a number of the cross-head brackets which connect the jetty to the Marlston sea walll, and at that time was closed as it is not adequately secured to the sea wall to support mooring vessels.

In 2024, the City engaged specialist marine engineering consultants to develop a new concept design for the Marlston Jetty. The design provides structural independence from the sea wall and incorporates measures to prevent the recurrence of previous issues.

The City unsuccessfully applied for funding through Round 29 of the Recreational Boating and Facility Scheme (RBFS) to progress the current concept design for the replacement of Marlston Jetty to detailed design.

We are preparing a further funding application; however are seeking to understand further community sentiments regarding the jetty and potential future uses including by local recreational boat users. This will assist our funding application and ensure the concept design is in line with our communities ideal use. 

The survey is now closed. Thanks for participating.

Proposed Jetty Concept Design Features

Existing Marine Piles

The use of the existing 11 steel piles will reduce construction costs for the new jetty. It will also keep the amount of new piles (5) to be installed at a minimum which will have environmental benefits - in addition to financial. 

Structural Independence

The existing jetty is structurally dependent upon the seawall, which is causing issues. Removing this conflict point in the new structure will improve jetty functionality and also benefit ongoing structural condition of the seawall and surrounds.

Universally Accessible Gangway and Walkway

The jetty will include a 1.8m wide universally accessible gangway and walkway, plus a 3.6m jetty extension at the lower landing. The gangway will meet the requirements of AS1428 and will incorporate ramps at max 1:14 gradients with handrails on both sides. Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) will be reused from the current jetty and will ensure a compliant surface that is suitable for wheelchairs.

The 3.6m jetty extension (5.4m total deck width) at the lower landing is 18.6m in length with handrails planned to the landward side.

Suitable for Watercraft 

The design is suitable for watercraft (8-12m in length pending detailed design). 13 new rubber fenders and two access ladders are planned to allow boat mooring for craft up to 12m in length.