Thursday, June 18, 2020

ARE JETTY'S DAYS NUMBERED ?

Shipping  Reporter Special 




Without  explanation  or  any announcement, numbers have suddenly appeared on several pylons underneath the picturesque Picnic Bay Jetty ,on Magnetic Island . In addition , new signs have gone up  warning of loose planks on the decking ,raising the possibiity  that major work  is likely ,or  the suspicion that it may be  knocked down . For many years, the jetty was the main entry point for  passenger ferries . When the  current   safe harbour  ferry terminal  was  constructed a move to demolish the jetty  because of the  upkeep was  strongly resisted . 
Nowadays the  jetty is  much used by locals and  tourists . Just this week I met a  couple fishing from the  jetty  who are from inland Mount Isa, rejoicing  at the mighty sea ,the scenery . Somebody loved  the jetty so much they stripped off their socks,danced along the  loose,uneven  decking,  and   left the  foot coverings behind for some lucky  backpacker  to find .