Save the Gracetown Pontoon

Lovers of Cowaramup Bay will know the Pontoon has been a summer and spring feature of the Main Beach at the Bay for many years. In fact, it was originally built and launched 28 years ago in 1997.

There are many adults who recall the Pontoon as one of their fondest childhood memories of Gracetown.

And many of THOSE adults are now introducing their kids to the joys of hours playing on the Pontoon.

Unfortunately, during the huge swell of 13 January, the mooring points on the pontoon were stressed beyond their tolerance and the pontoon was torn from its mooring.

Whilst it was heading for a terminal demise on the rocks, the quick actions of a number of visitors and locals managed to manoeuvre it away from the rocks and onto the beach – where it was then manhandled and towed by a truck out of reach of the waves.

WHAT WE NEED

The Gracetown Cowaramup Bay Community (GCBC) is now rushing to get it repaired and back in the water as soon as possible so it is available for the rest of Summer.

So, we are taking the opportunity whilst these essential repairs are being made to refurbish other parts of the Pontoon that are getting very tired.

We are getting new heavy duty boat carpet fitted, replacing the battens that secure the carpet to the pontoon and also fixing a large number of slow leaks in screw holes that were incorrectly drilled.

This is quoted to cost $5,400. Plus, we have to get the mooring checked and repositioned by a licensed mooring contractor. That is a further estimated $500…..giving us a total cost of $5,900 - $6,000.

So, whilst this is not a huge amount of money, this unexpected cost comes at a time when the GCBC has just committed over $100,000 to the new playground; a new concrete floor in the Hall (at last!!) with commercial grade flooring laid on top of it;

and new windows and double doors from the Hall directly out onto the northern verandah. (All this above work has already started)

Hence why we need to urgently reach out to you - the Gracetown and Cowaramup communities - and ALL users of the main beach at Gracetown and the pontoon to contribute to a Go Fund Me campaign to raise $6,000 for these repairs.

If we raise slightly more, we will preserve the funds and retain it for future work related to the Pontoon or its mooring.

But PLEASE …give whatever you can to help us get this done for you.