Annual passes a hit with Jetty fans

New Busselton Jetty annual passes have proven to be a hit, with more than 2000 ratepayers buying a pass since its implementation in early July.

The introduction of the pass reportedly caused a huge rise in purchases, with almost 300 people per week visiting the Interpretive Centre.

Busselton Jetty CEO Lisa Shreeve said she was excited by local support for the jetty.

“We have had a particularly tough winter with wind and storms, so we really appreciate the locals coming in and buying a pass, seeing our wonderful retail gift shop, and bringing their tourist friends with them,” Ms Shreeve said.

“A total of 2073 passes have been sold in July and August, and 23,625 annual rates notices are sent out, so that’s about 9 per cent of households buying an annual Jetty walk pass.”

The local support for the Busselton Jetty has the tourism giant seeking ways to improve the accessibility, education and entertainment of the Underwater Observatory.

Research into these areas is hoped to provide educational resources to cater for AUSLAN and autistic communities. “It is incredibly important that we provide the best experience of the Jetty’s underwater marine life, its history and its future to all who visit so we have been investigating various ways to do this,” Ms Shreeve said.

“More parents and carers of people in WA are looking for unique things to do in an environment that is calming, quiet and not so bright.

“The Underwater Observatory tours have been highlighted as being a great location to take autistic people to enjoy the marine life and the train ride to the end of the jetty.”

The jetty is consulting with Autism WA, Access Plus WA, Advocacy WA, and multicultural groups to put together best practice models of previous successful examples.

To provide feedback, email admin@busseltonjetty.com.au