Learmonth Jetty, one of the premier land-based fishing spots in WA – has been closed by the Shire of Exmouth due to structural damage that poses a safety risk to the public.
While access to the surrounding beach and adjacent rock groin remains open, community members have not been able to set foot on the iconic jetty since the end of October.
Learmonth Jetty, located 33km south of Exmouth and stretching out into the picturesque and abundant waters of Exmouth Gulf, has been a safe and much-loved fishing spot for locals and tourists alike for decades.
Over the years, it has been the platform from which many fishers have landed great Gascoyne species such as queenfish, trevally, mangrove jack, cod, squid, tuna, and mackerel.
The Shire of Exmouth is exploring repair and remediation options along with funding avenues for the cherished landmark.
Exmouth Tackle & Camping Supplies’ Steve Riley said the jetty is one of the most reliable spots to enjoy the fantastic fishing on offer in Exmouth Gulf and seeing the jetty restored, replaced or even extended is something every local fisher is behind.
“Learmonth Jetty is one of the first land-based fishing spots we recommend to locals or visitors to Exmouth because it has something for all ages and abilities. The range of species you can catch there is remarkable,” said Steve.
“While this current closure is disappointing, there is a silver lining in that it could finally see the jetty extended by 50-100m that would unlock even greater fishing opportunities. Fishers frequently balloon off there and catch some big fish as it is, so making it longer and stronger would only bolster its reputation as one of most attractive land-based fishing spots in WA.”
There could be a number of options to rebuild, relocate, extend or develop a different approach that will ensure as good – or potentially even better – land-based fishing access will be restored for local fishers in the future.
Recfishwest will be keenly examining and advocating for some of these options and exploring opportunities to support such a project in the near future.
“Whether it’s young kids hoping to catch their first fish or avid fishers chasing powerful pelagics, Learmonth Jetty is the one of the elite spots to do this in WA. We want to see these fishing experiences protected and improved into the future,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland.
“Recfishwest has long called for improvements to be made to Learmonth Jetty and with the Exmouth Gulf Marine Park on the horizon, the time is now for the Government to look at ensuring the value this jetty provides isn’t lost and is enhanced instead,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland.
“Investing in this cherished jetty would be applauded by locals and see major economic and wellbeing benefits to the region.”
The Shire of Exmouth will provide updates as they become available.
