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Rockinghams floating jetty sets new trend

Past Articles October 4, 2005

The construction of a new floating jetty at Rockingham has set a new standard for boating facilities in Western Australia .

Built by the City of Rockingham , with the assistance of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s successful Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS), the Point Peron floating pontoon jetty provides the elderly and people in wheelchairs with improved access to vessels at the popular tourist destination.

The Department’s Senior Planning Manager (Maritime) Martin Baird said the City of Rockingham’s innovative approach to the design and construction of the new jetty had resulted in significant benefits for all users.

"The floating jetty, which rises and falls with the changing tide, minimises the difference in height between the jetty and the vessel - making access easier," Mr Baird said.

"This is an excellent demonstration of universal access design and one that the Department will be highlighting to other local authorities as the new benchmark for the construction of local boating facilities."

The floating jetty, designed and constructed by Engineered Water Systems, comprises an aluminium frame with poly floats. The decking is made of special polypropylene tiles and cushioning fenders run along each side.

It is secured by two steel piles and is connected to the shore via a gangway designed from the same material as the jetty.

"Through the RBFS the Department emphasises the benefits of universal access design," Mr Baird said.

"From now we will be encouraging local authorities to build boating jetties in this way at protected sites rather than the conventional ‘fixed’ style, to ensure better access for all passengers."

Mayor of the City of Rockingham , Barry Sammels, said the jetty was a significant step forward because approximately 20 per cent of the local community had some form of disability and there was a need to recognise their requirements.

The jetty was funded from round nine of the RBFS.

With Thanks

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