Published on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 at 8:00:00 AM
Excitement is building and the community is well and truly on the hook for the long-awaited artificial reef, to be constructed around the end of the Esperance Jetty after Council approved the tender for its construction, delivery and installation recently.
The project is really starting to gain momentum, with installation set to take place during next year's calmer autumn conditions. In a smart move that's sure to keep costs from drifting away, the works will be coordinated with the Esperance Sculpture Trail project, allowing both projects to share the same barge and reel in greater value for the community.
This time next year, anglers will have something truly special to cast their eyes over. The reef will be the largest artificial reef accessible to land-based fishing in Australia, right on our doorstep. Once the habitat has had time to settle in and fish populations start to bite, locals and visitors alike can look forward to landing species that would normally require a boat trip to target - all from Esperance Jetty.
The project will see 200 purpose-built reef modules dropped into position around the final 200 metres of the Jetty. Developed in partnership with Recfishwest, the modules have been carefully designed to create productive marine habitat, linking up with existing reef areas and laying the foundations for a thriving underwater ecosystem.
Over time, the artificial reef is expected to become a real hotspot for marine life, with a school of new opportunities swimming into town. As more species are lured to the area, the reef will offer something for everyone — whether you're keen to wet a line, don a snorkel or dive beneath the surface to see what's biting below.
The reef is set to be a great catch for Esperance, enhancing the Jetty's appeal as a vibrant community hub while further cementing the town's reputation as a premier coastal destination.
Community Direction
Council Plan 2026-2036
Objective 2.2 – Increase participation in sport and recreation activities.
Objective 5.1 – Sustainable care for, preserve and enhance natural habitats.
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