Plans for new small boat facility unveiled

Minister for Ports Hon David Michael MLA has unveiled plans for a $5 million small boat facility to replace Esperance’s ageing Taylor Street Jetty. 

Detailed design of a new 70m-long pontoon facility set to replace the much-loved Taylor Street Jetty is underway with 2026-27 targeted for completion.

The new facility will be shared by Southern Ports and the wider community, with 50m set aside to moor the port’s service boats and the remaining 20m set to be publicly accessible.

The new facility will be divided for use by Southern Ports and the wider community.

The funding is part of the $14.9 million committed to upgrading infrastructure at the Port of Esperance in this month’s State Budget.

The ageing Taylor Street Jetty has been partially closed since 2019 but continues to serve as a landing for local tourism operators.

It is nearing the end of its serviceable life and is expected to be demolished within a year.

Southern Ports CEO Keith Wilks said plans to replace the jetty are a true show of regional prosperity.

“We recognise the importance of the current Taylor Street Jetty to the community. I’m pleased that our plans for a pilot and lines boat service facility to meet our needs as an operational port have also been able to benefit the local community.”

“The current Taylor Street Jetty is at the end of its serviceable life and we welcome the Cook Government’s funding for this new facility.”

For more information, see Minister for Ports, Hon David Michael MLA’s statement here.