A big Recfishwest shout out to the Shire of Dardanup for restoring a much-loved and popular jetty for the South-West community and recognising how important it is for the well-being of fishers.
Back in May of 2023, the crumbling southern fishing platform at the old Collie River Bridge in Australind was closed to the public due to safety concerns.
The closure prevented local fishers from enjoying the fantastic land-based fishing opportunities on the platform which had made it a popular spot since being built in 2010.
Despite confusion around what council, shire or authority was responsible for managing and maintaining the southern jetty, the Shire of Dardanup voted to save, refurbish and take ownership of the southern jetty knowing how important the fishing platform was to locals.
As a result, the fishing platform has now been reopened so local fishers can once again safely gather a delicious feed, thanks to the Shire of Dardanup’s decision to go it alone with no assistance being offered.
Dardanup Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said, “The Old Coast Road Bridge fishing platform is a beloved community asset, and we’re thrilled to welcome residents, visitors and fishers back for another fantastic summer season.
“It’s a great jetty for families to enjoy a spot of fishing and crabbing and we hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience each time they visit.”
Given the platform is one of the most easily accessible spots along the whole waterfront of the Collie River and is a hotspot for easily catching crabs, tailor and whiting, it is the first land-based fishing spot that the experienced team at Whitey’s Tackle in Australind recommend to their customers.
“This fishing platform has provided great memories and wellbeing benefits to the South-West community for many years, so hats off to the Shire of Dardanup for recognising the importance of this much-loved fishing landmark and cutting through the red tape,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland.
“If this jetty could be saved thanks to the initiative of the Dardanup Shire Council, then we hope the jurisdictions and agencies responsible for the fishing platform on the northern riverbank can follow their lead by investing in its restoration and maintenance.”
All eyes now on the northern platform
Only 30 metres across the river is the northern-based platform, located within the Shire of Harvey boundary.
The fishing jetty is currently closed as the structure is currently unsafe to access, with the Shire of Harvey confirming to Recfishwest that there are no immediate plans to restore the platform to its former fishing glory.
“At this stage, no funding has been allocated nor are there plans to open this up in the short term,” said the Shire of Harvey spokesperson.
Recfishwest will continue to push for the appropriate authorities to invest in its restoration and follow the Shire of Dardanup’s lead.
“Scores of fishing families have fished off the northern-based jetty and every estuary around WA should have a jetty for local and visiting fishers to enjoy. A jetty’s vast benefits to the community strongly outweigh the financial hurdles,” added Andrew.
