Friday, 11 August 2023
Construction will soon kick off on a complete upgrade of the Williamstown Jetty with community funding provided by the Victorian Government’s West Gate Neighbourhood Fund.
A $500,000 partnership was secured for the major refurbishment and the community project is scheduled for completion at the end of this year.
The works will deliver structural improvements including new cross beams, decking, and handrails, along with a brand-new fish cleaning station for anglers returning with their catch.
The jetty will also become more wheelchair friendly, providing greater access for disabled persons and the elderly to use the facilities and undertake water related activities.
Floating pontoons used for the upgrade were donated and refurbished from a similar jetty upgrade which was recently completed in the Borough of Queenscliffe.
The Williamstown Jetty was built in the 1940’s and remains popular with local anglers, kayakers, swimmers, and boat users involved in the Williamstown and Newport Anglers’ Club.
The $10 million West Gate Neighbourhood Fund grants and partnerships program was established to support inner west communities during construction of the West Gate Tunnel Project and improve community connectedness.
Applications are currently open for the latest round. Partnership funding of $50,000 and over is available for incorporated not-for-profit community groups whose work helps to bring people together and build community.
For the first time, grants of up to $100,000 are also available for grassroots community sports clubs, girl guide or scout organisations as part of the inaugural round of Active Community Grants.
The fund has already granted over $7 million across Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, including $500,000 for the refurbishment of the Williamstown Beach Jetty scheduled for completion at the end of this year.
Applications close on Tuesday 1st of August.
To find out about the West Gate Neighbourhood fund, or to apply for funding, visit: westgatetunnelproject.vic.gov.au/neighbourhoodfund
Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne MP
“For over 70 years this jetty has been an important community asset for local fishers and boat users, but it’s well overdue for an upgrade.
The West Gate Neighbourhood Fund is all about making sure that our community benefits from the West Gate Tunnel Project sooner, rather than later, and this is a great example of that benefit.”
Quote attributable to Lindsay Morton, Williamstown and Newport Anglers Club:
“This new jetty gives locals and club members easier, more accessible, and safer access to the bay.
It will help us attract a younger generation of members and allow even more anglers to get involved.”