Historic agreement reached for future management of Ross and Fig Tree Creek jetties

An historic agreement between Livingstone Shire Council and the Yeppoon Inlet Association has been signed, formalising the long-term management of existing jetty structures in Ross and Fig Tree Creeks. 

In a significant milestone today, Yeppoon Inlet Association president Ray Barry signed a formal trustee lease, alongside Mayor Andy Ireland, which will see the Association manage the jetties for a 30-year term.  

“Going forward, the Yeppoon Inlet Association, which represents about 60 boat and jetty owners, will negotiate subleases with its members over their respective jetties,” Mayor Ireland said. 

“Council is pleased to lease the reserve to the Association which has been instrumental in a number of clean-up projects and recovery efforts in Ross and Fig Tree Creeks, including the removal of over 60 tonnes of derelict vessels and debris, abandoned machinery and dilapidated jetty structures. 

“This was achieved through funding assistance from Landcare and the Fitzroy Basin Association as well as volunteer efforts from members of the Yeppoon Inlet Association. 

“This agreement has taken five years to formalise and I’d like to thank the Association, Darumbal representatives and Queensland Government for their support and hard work to reach this outcome.” 

Darumbal representatives, who are the Native Title owners of the area, entered into an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Queensland Government in 2016 which allowed the existing jetty structures to remain in the inlet. 

Council accepted sole trusteeship over the recreation reserve in 2019 and has since been working with the Queensland Government and Yeppoon Inlet Association to work towards a trustee agreement.  

The trustee lease to Yeppoon Inlet Association commences from 1 August 2022 for a 30-year term.