The beloved Catherine Hill Bay Jetty is set to be demolished, despite significant community efforts to save the local landmark.
Constructed in the 1870s, the structure has long been used to provide shipping access to collieries within the region.
In 1974, the historic timber pier was replaced by concrete and steel, which still stands to this day.
The landmark was used for loading coal until 2002, where mining operations ceased shortly after, and in 2019 the site’s lease holder disclaimed its responsibilities and discontinued maintenance activities.
Four years later, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure commissioned local consultancy company BG&E to develop a structural condition assessment of the jetty.
It followed a series of engineering inspections conducted at the locale, since it was significantly damaged by a fire in 2013.
“The structural condition assessment revealed significant deterioration, with several high-risk elements posing serious public safety concerns,” an NSW Government spokesperson said.
The report also found extreme levels of corrosion in integral structural aspects of the jetty, including steel elements, retaining wall bracing and reinforcement sections.
Three options were explored for the pier; partial demolition, full demolition or full rectification.
The first possibility investigated was the partial demolition of the site, where the land-portion of structure would be destroyed, and the over-water part would be retained and maintained.
However, the job was estimated to cost $803,000.
The second option considered was the full demolition, which would involve the jetty to be removed in small sections utilising both landslide and marine plant.
That project was quoted at $8,903,000.
Lastly, the site’s rectification was heavily looked into.
“This work would be extensive, involving the demolition and replacement of many steel elements including landside columns, secondary steel framing and bracing, and involve replacement of many connections,” said a BG&E spokesperson.
“The primary steel beams are in reasonable condition and could be retained with a thorough clean as well as most of the concrete deck panels.”
The cost for the job was estimated at more than $15.4 million, as well as the ongoing maintenance listed at $350,000 annually.
In the end, state officials decided a full demolition was the right direction.
In a notification sent out to locals, an NSW spokesperson addressed the site’s significance to the surrounding area.
“We know many in the community will be disappointed at the potential loss of the jetty,” they said.
They added an installation will be made to commemorate the heritage and the site’s significance to the town’s history.
Community consultation sessions on the jetty’s demolition will take place at the Catherine Hill Bay Surf Life Saving Club on Thursday 25 September from 5pm to 7pm and Saturday 18 October from 9.30am to noon.
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