Jetty, ship for heritage list

The jetty, constructed in 1877, played an integral role in WA’s agricultural industry.

It was used for unloading cattle from the State’s north-west to the abattoirs situated nearby, which operated until the 1970s.

In 1975 the 280m jetty was burnt and dismantled and while remains are few, submerged piles can be seen from the air.

The wreckage of Wyola is on the shore of C.Y. O’Connor Beach, more than 40 years after it was run ashore, scrapped and broken up.

The ship was involved in long-distance towing, salvaging and rescues after coming over from England in 1912.

Local historian Earle Seubert said he was pleased to see significant parts of Cockburn’s history being recognised.

‘We lose so much,’ he said.

‘We’re very good at knocking things down.

‘What we’ve lost along this coastline between Woodman Point and Fremantle in the last 60 or 70 years is staggering.’

Mr Seubert said he was one of many kids who would dodge guards to jump on to goods trains from Fremantle to Robb Jetty.

‘It was huge when it was up and running,’ he said.

‘I can’t remember how many worked there but everyone seemed to have a relation who worked there.

‘It wasn’t a pretty sight and you could always smell Robb Jetty, but it was a fascinating place.’