Fishing off the new town jetty in Portland is only days away, with the final stages of construction now under way. 

Contractor Bellingham Marine was on-site last week to load new seating and lighting and connect the gangway to the floating pontoons, the final pieces of the puzzle for the project. 

Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank said both the community and council were eagerly awaiting the official completion date, which was expected to be soon. 

“The new town jetty is one of council’s most anticipated projects in the past decade, and, after several years of advocacy and persistence, we are thrilled to be in the final stages of construction of this vital piece of community infrastructure,” she said. 

“The $1.5m project, funded by the State Government, has seen the former popular town jetty reinstated with a 175-metre-long floating pontoon. The new-look facility will now provide all abilities access, designated recreational fishing pontoons, seating and an expansive width of 3.3 metres for promenading and general leisure. 

“The opportunities the new town jetty will provide will be invaluable – allowing families to fish in the heart of the township, ensuring all abilities access for members of our community to enjoy and, of course, increasing tourism and attracting a new demographic of visitors to our region. 

“This week marks another significant milestone towards the completion of a contemporary, expansive and accessible new Local Port for Portland.”