General News
30 March, 2026
Too risky for people to use
IT is now certain that the stairs on Perry Harvey Jetty at Mission Beach will be removed – and soon.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council has scheduled work in April to dismantle and remove the aged stairs, which are in an unsafe state due to saltwater exposure.
A public notice on council’s website says the jetty will be closed for a week.
“Cassowary Coast Regional Council advises that the Perry Harvey Jetty will be temporarily closed to the public from 13-17 April (weather permitting) to allow for the removal of the stairs on the southern side of the structure,” the notice says.
“The stairs are being permanently removed due to structural deterioration associated with age and exposure to the saltwater environment,” it says.
“Works will take place subject to suitable weather and tide conditions to ensure the works can be carried out safely.”
However, while it’s clear the old stairs are being removed, there’s no mention of any intention to replace them.
The local boating association, in a letter to The Observer editor last week, indicated that it was hoping new stairs would be installed.
Over the years, boaties have used the stairs for access during ideal sea conditions and when spaces are all taken up at the nearby Clump Point boating facility on certain busy weekends.
The Mission Beach Boating Association (MBBA) wrote to the newspaper after its former president said no “significant money” should be spent on the jetty because it is primarily a recreational asset for fishing and viewing.
The MBBA said that “the new committee feels differently to the comments stated by the previous president.”
“The MBBA sees the jetty and stairs as an integral part of tourism and the community. We look forward to seeing the said reports and quotes from CCRC,” the letter stated.
“The MBBA is awaiting council correspondence as to the damage and repair costs of the platform and stairs. We see this as a safety concern and wish for resolve.”
The Observer is awaiting a response from council about any plans it might have to fit new stairs to Perry Harvey Jetty and not just the removal of the old stairs.
In its work notice, council says its “approach is to maintain the structure in a safe and serviceable condition, with works and maintenance guided by asset condition, safety considerations and long-term sustainability.”
“Council appreciates the community’s understanding while these works are undertaken.”
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