Netherlands-based engineering consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV has secured a marine infrastructure revitalisation project with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council to restore and modernise multiple jetties across the archipelago.
The company has been commissioned to design and rebuild three jetties across Saibai, Dauan, and Boigu Islands. Key modernisation features that will be integrated into the new jetty designs include greater stability, wider access ways to support larger barges, more durable materials such as low slip plastic slats, as well as stairs.
Royal HaskoningDHV said the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula area received the most significant investment in marine infrastructure in the last 30 years, with the Australian and Queensland governments investing AU$80 million (US$50 million) in funding towards improved marine infrastructure including overhauling jetties, wharves, and barge ramps.
"After conducting an initial condition assessment, it was clear multiple jetties were either completely dilapidated or require significant restoration," said Stuart Bettington, Technical Director and Project Lead at Royal HaskoningDHV.
"As part of the project, the new designs will feature significant upgrades. We will be working closely with the council and local community to not only rebuild this infrastructure but to upgrade accessibility as part of the jetty design."
The current jetties only have ladder access for boats. The designs proposed by Royal HaskoningDHV include stair access at the end to deliver an improvement in functionality.
"Currently, fishermen are required to carry their catch and equipment up and down a ladder, which you can imagine is no easy task," said Bettington. "The stairs improve accessibility significantly by allowing boats to easily load and offload at the stair area before mooring elsewhere."
The existing jetties were built with a lifespan of 25 years, but have been in operation for more than three decades. During this time, many have become severely degraded and unsafe due to collisions from vessels, weather, and degradation of materials.
"While upgrading the existing jetties is a crucial first step, our initial assessment revealed a broader need for infrastructure improvements," said Bettington. "We believe that by optimising the design and budgeting process, we can identify more cost-effective solutions, allowing the opportunity to expand the scope of the project and make a more significant positive impact on the community."
The jetty condition assessment has already been completed, with costing and design currently in development. The project is scheduled to commence in the upcoming dry season in May 2025.