People’s Jetty

City of Busselton councillors have unanimously voted for ratepayers to have access to the Busselton Jetty for only $4 a year.

Annual passes were previously $50 per adult and $25 for pensioners, with day passes for $4 each.

Busselton Jetty Inc has worked with the City of Busselton to endorse the new annual entry fee from July 1.

Residents will need to attend the Interpretative Centre after July 1 to claim the pass, which will include photo identification and will record how many times they use the jetty.

Locals will also be entitled to special discounts on tours of the Underwater Discovery Centre and in the gift shop.

Busselton Mayor Grant Henley said residents needed to show identification with their residential address or their most recent rates notice to prove their eligibility. “The idea of a discounted rate for residents has been raised previously,” he said. “Concerns were raised over how this could most efficiently be implemented, and further discussions with Busselton Jetty staff and board led to this undertaking.

“Councillors considered the request as part of the review of the 2020-21 fees and charges.”

Busselton Jetty chair Barry House said it was pleasing to offer locals a discounted annual fee to access the jetty in difficult times.

“BJI researched other local government attractions around Australia and what they offer local residents and had put a number of proposals to the City,” he said.

“We are very grateful that this has passed as we believe this will assist people to get out and about post COVID-19 and provide some mental health benefits also.”

Busselton Jetty Inc is hoping locals will act as tourism ambassadors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and “champion its history”.

Monthly jetty ambassador prizes are available for residents who bring friends and relatives to explore the many things the jetty has to offer.