The Shire of Dardanup is set to enter into a formal agreement with the Shire of Harvey to formally recognise its ownership of the four Collie River jetties.

During its June meeting, the Dardanup Shire Council voted to formally recognise ownership of the jetties at the Eaton Foreshore which remain partially within the boundary of the Shire of Harvey, while also authorising the chief executive to enter a formal agreement with the Harvey shire to transfer management of the assets.

According to the council documents, the jetties in the Collie River are partially in the Shire of Harvey because they extend below the high-water mark and unless an agreement or ministerial direction states otherwise, they are considered “unvested facilities” and are legally under the care and management of the Harvey shire.

Dardanup shire president Tyrrell Gardiner said the decision formalised an arrangement which had been in place for many years and provided clarity around the ownership and management of the river infrastructure assets.

“The Shire of Dardanup has built, maintained and cared for these jetties on behalf of the community, and this agreement simply ensures that responsibility is clearly documented between both local governments,” he said.

“Importantly, there will be no additional cost to ratepayers, and river users can be assured that the ongoing maintenance and management of the jetties will continue as normal.”