COUNCIL will pursue a “hybrid” approach to the renewal of the Coffs Harbour Jetty structure, endorsing a preliminary design which consists of both structural timber and fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) components.
The pier is the last surviving State Government-built jetty in NSW from the late 19th century.
According to Council, the timber components of the structure have reached their end-of-life, despite the City of Coffs Harbour spending more than $4 million on renewal works since 2008-09.
The City has identified that a comprehensive renewal is needed to keep the structure open to the public.
A City-engaged specialist consultant estimates the structural elements composed of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) would have a life span of 80 to 100 years, and external facing timber elements of 25 to 50 years.
“Our approach is to retain the use of timber for elements that are highly visible, have exceptional heritage significance as noted in the Conservation Management Plan and are easily replaceable,” according to the City’s structural engineering consultant.
“The use of FRP is adopted for elements that are less visible and are difficult and costly to replace.”
Mayor Nikki Williams said the hybrid-material approach is considered the best solution for “broadly maintaining the aesthetic of the Jetty”.
“Using mixed-materials for the renewal is also more affordable at an estimated $21 million compared to $30m to replace the worst components with timber-only.
“Ongoing maintenance costs should also be less expensive with a hybrid mix and the structure will have an overall longer life.”
Council also resolved for the installation of a stainless steel balustrade to upgrade the fall protection to a compliant standard for the section over the hard sand area, initially.
To continue to progress the Jetty renewal project design, Council has approved $237,962 of funding to facilitate the primary balustrade works.
“The City has been successful in gaining $1m through the State Government’s 2024-25 Crown Reserve Improvement Fund,” City Infrastructure Acting Director Daniel Noble said.
“This grant and the City’s contribution gives us a pot of $1.142m which will enable a part renewal of some components of the pier in 2025-26 – though it’s well short of what is needed for the full renewal.
“But now we have certainty around the design approach it improves our prospects of securing the necessary grant funding.”
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