Shelter helpers: Some of the Smoky Bay residents who helped with the final
AFTER months of hard work and community effort, the last shelter on the Smoky Bay jetty has been completed.
Community members have worked to restore
the jetty since 2010, which included the construction of three fishing shelters designed by Murray Edwards.
Renovation and construction has been a cooperation between the State Transport department, District Council of Ceduna and Smoky Bay Progress Association.
Two of the shelters were constructed in time for the jetty’s 100th anniversary celebrations in April, but recently worked resumed to complete the final shelter.
After nine days and 22 tonnes of timber the shelter was completed.
One of the volunteers was licensed builder John Smith.
Mr Smith had worked with his grandson, Andrew Tolhurst on the first two shelters before leaving for England, but broke off his holiday to return to finish the final shelter.
“It’s a good feeling to see all the shelters up, a lot of hard work was needed to complete the job,” he said.
A lot of people performed roles, from Grant Cotton serving as construction manager for the Smoky Bay Progress Association to Kathy Smith serving hot tea.
The local oyster industry was also involved, with barges provided to help volunteers work underneath the jetty.
Selwyn Evans of Kiwi’s Oysters said the new look jetty was quite the sight to behold.
“To see the jetty like it is now, it was something I never thought I’d see, it really is fantastic,” he said.
Family picnics and parties have already been held in the shelters, and many locals believe the new jetty will make Smoky Bay a more exciting place to live, leading to increased property values.
The project is now only waiting for the installation of nine light poles for completion.