Stu's Letters Book

From Stuart Oliver 17 Gwynne Corner, Jane Brook, WA, Australia, 6056 Phone/Fax: (08) 9250 1839 Mobile: 0417 090 321 Email: stuarto@upnaway.com 3/1/2006 Dear Editor Re: Busselton Jetty I have recently had the privilege of visiting and walking the mile long Busselton Jetty and then viewing the magical world below through the viewing ports of the Underwater Observatory situated at the very end. Walked, because the train can no longer negotiate its length in safety. (I must say here, I think I enjoyed the casual walk, watching the kids fish and frolic from its sides more than I would have the train trip.) After visiting the Jetty and, in past years, having read many times about the difficulties of the Busselton Shire to raise the necessary funds to maintain it, I find it incredible that the State Government has not stepped in and provided all the necessary finances needed to keep this Western Australian icon (for that is what it is) in a condition that our children and our grandchildren can go to, view and enjoy this wonderful part of our heritage. This is not simply a piece of old Busselton – it is, as I said, a WA icon; a part of WA history that will be lost to the future if left to a small community like Busselton to maintain. This is not to criticize the enormous effort Busselton people have put into maintaining it, but the lack of (or token only) support supplied by the WA Government. It could be argued that it is simply a Busselton tourist attraction, but it is more than that – it goes back to the heart and spirit of the WA pioneers who laboured for 95 years in its construction. I am quite sure that if this jetty was situated in a prime locality in Perth it would have WA politicians climbing the pylons offering their all. Ed: I have attached a couple of pics I took through the viewing ports. Feel free to use them if you like. Stuart Oliver