The new jetty will be 780m long from the start of the causeway and includes the loop at the end.

The new jetty will be at least 4.5m wide and increases to 15m at the jetty end. This is wider than the existing jetty.

The final concept design is based on a design life of 100 years.

The final concept design shows proposed materials like:

• The causeway will be a smooth concrete surface
• The jetty surface will be a smooth concrete surface
• The terraced seating area will be made of concrete blocks and rocks
• The lower fishing platform will be Fibre Reinforced Polymer
• Balustrades will be stainless steel with stainless steel mesh infills in high activity areas
• Reclaimed timber from the old jetty will be used in some areas of the flooring, top rails of balustrades and some seating where possible
• Seating will be made from a concrete base with timber and metal seats and backrests
• Perforated stainless steel wind barriers will be used at some sheltered seating areas
• Shelters will be stainless steel and timber look aluminum cladding

We know fishing is important for locals and visitors to Bowen so we have included new fishing facilities in the final concept design including:

• A lower platform on the south-west side of the jetty to make fishing easier
• Stainless steel fish cleaning table and fresh water tap at the lowered platform
• Rod holders in the balustrade at the lowered platform

Feedback from all parts of the local Bowen community has guided the design process for the new Bowen jetty.

Many great ideas and stories were shared by the local community during our engagement sessions in March and June 2024.

Eight key themes were consistently raised through the feedback, and these informed the two jetty concept options. The community told us what they liked about the options in June.

Feedback from the community on the options directly informed the final concept design.

The most popular of the new features shared across both options were:

1. Rest points with seating and shade
2. Retaining old jetty piles for history connection and artificial reef retention
3. Toilets

The four top features that respondents most wanted in the final design were:

1. Loop form at the end of the jetty
2. Stepped concrete water edge treatment
3. Boardwalk through the mangroves
4. Linear jetty alignment similar to the existing jetty with reflection points

The eight key themes have been translated into real features included in the final concept design:

• Amenities – to make the jetty more enjoyable: wide approach jetty; special lookout areas; shade structures; seating areas; toilets; drinking fountains and lighting
• Accessibility – making the jetty something people of all ages and mobility can enjoy safely: widened DDA-compliant and smooth surface paths and ramps; DDA-compliant seating and toilets; rest points; ramped pathway; accessible fishing areas; emergency vehicle access; DDA-compliant access to the water edge
• History – valuing the past and sharing stories of the jetty in all its previous forms: retain existing piles as a visual feature where we can; linear jetty stem reflecting existing alignment; repurposed materials in furniture and flooring; cultural and heritage storytelling and information panels
• Education – celebrating the historic, ecological and cultural aspects of the jetty: integrated artwork, information panels and learning spaces to share stories of the past and educate about ecological and cultural elements
• Ecology – protecting the marine environment, flora and fauna: higher deck to accommodate climatic changes; turtle sensitive lighting; artificial reefs on new piles to promote biodiversity; retain existing piles where we can to minimise disturbance to existing habitats
• Recreation – adding activities and attractions to boost local and tourist use: encourage tourism with new features; attractions and potential for activations and events; walking / jogging route; promote more fishing with lowered platform and fishing facilities
• Fishing – embracing and enhancing the existing fishing culture for local and visitors: lowered fishing platform; rod holders; cleaning table; cleaning tap
• Commercial – adding food and drink retail options and other commercial activations: area for temporary food / drink stalls; water and power plug-in points; flexible and open areas for events

The final design is now being shared with the community.

Now that funding is received, the project will move through these stages:

• detailed design phase during 2025
• construction expected to start in 2027, depending on environment and government approvals, construction staging and procurement approach

The new jetty is planned to be completed in late 2028, subject to planning and environmental approvals.

The final concept design is what is proposed to be built for the budget provided.

There may be some changes made to this design as it progresses through detailed design, environmental approvals, Maritime Safety Queensland consultation, construction staging and procurement.