We put on an online survey to help gather a good understanding from the Bowen community about whether it wants the Bowen jetty to be saved and, if so, how the jetty could be used to best suit the needs of the community in the future.
By completing the linked survey, the community has contributed and provided valuable input that can be used to help develop a sustainable plan for the jetty’s future. Participants in the survey went into the draw to
WIN a $100 voucher for the Grandview Hotel.
There was a fantastic response to the survey and it's great to see the community having their say.
See the Survey Results
Bowen Community Centre donated a $100 voucher for the Grand View Hotel. The winner of the voucher was Rebecca! Congratulations Rebecca!
- The Bowen jetty was originally constructed in 1867, and has been a crucial piece of infrastructure from Bowen’s early establishment 150+ years ago until now.
- Over its life, the Bowen jetty has been used to export goods such as meat, sugar, agricultural produce, and coal, and to import supplies into the region.
- The current structure made of concrete and timber was built over 100 years ago and is still standing, although significant repair works are needed if the jetty is to be saved for future generations of Bowenites.
- Currently, the jetty is being used by North Queensland Bulk Ports (“NQBP”) as a resupply base for the tugs that service the Abbot Point export wharf.
- Over the next few years, NQBP plans to relocate the tugs near the vicinity of the Abbot Point terminal, and when this happens, it will no longer have a need for the Bowen Jetty.
- Under the terms of the lease granted to NQBP for the use of the land and seafloor on which the jetty stands, NQBP is obligated to demolish the jetty if it cannot find a future commercial use for the jetty.
- The public survey, sponsored by the Bowen Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, yielded some strong community views about the importance of the Bowen jetty, its heritage, and how it could be repurposed to make sure it served the needs of the community into the future. A total of 622 survey responses were received with around 90% of these feeling strongly that the jetty should be retained.
- On the back of the Chamber's survey, North Queensland Bulk Ports ("NQBP") conducted a thorough community consultation process on their plans for the jetty. This process included NQBP's own survey, as well as engagement with local community groups and schools.
- The Bowen Chamber has worked closely with NQBP throughout this process.
- NQBP are currently finalizing a new concept design for a new jetty that will be built at the Bowen foreshore alongside the remnants of the old jetty which will be preserved to recognize the heritage of the original structure.
- If NQBP's plans are approved by the state government, the deck of the existing jetty will be demolished during 2025 while the detailed design for a new jetty is completed.
- NQBP are planning to provide some improved public amenities in the new structure including fishing platforms, shade areas, water fountains, power and services connections, and a mangrove boardwalk near the foreshore.
- The link below to the NQBP jetty project page has some additional information on NQBP's plans: https://nqbp.com.au/our-ports/abbot-point/bowen-wharf-project
