Full structural jetty rebuild across the Gold Coast.

Indicators that say rebuild, not repair.

• 30%+ of piles failing marine-borer probe: The pile network has reached collective end-of-life. Repairing the worst 30% leaves the next-worst 30% to fail within 3–5 years.
• Pile diameter at waterline necked to <60% of original: Structural capacity is compromised — the pile may pass a static load test today but fail under dynamic wake or storm loading.
• Multiple bearer-to-pile-cap connections rotted: When the load transfer point has gone on multiple piles, sister-stringer repairs stack up and become more expensive than a fresh structural rebuild.
• Owner wants modern finish (composite deck, integrated LED, glass balustrade): Mid-rebuild is the right time to upgrade the spec. Adding modern features to an old structure is rarely cost-effective.
• Pre-sale property staging: A premium new jetty adds documented sale value — $50K spend often returns $80K–$120K at sale on $2m+ canal properties.

Rebuild scope — what’s in the build.

1. Demolition (1–2 days): Strip old decking, bearers, handrail, hardware. Cut old piles at mudline (or extract if barge-accessible). Dispose to approved marine waste handler. Salvage and credit any reusable hardware.
2. Pile-drive (1–3 days): Truck-mounted or barge-mounted pile-drive rig delivers 4–8 new piles to engineered penetration depth. Verification by hammer-count or static load test. Pile-driving generates ~80–90dB noise — neighbour notification handled.
3. Structural framing (2–4 days): Pile-caps, bearers, stringers, joist hangers. All in F17 hardwood with 316 stainless connections.
4. Decking install (3–5 days): Deck boards in F17 hardwood OR composite (Modwood Marine, ResinDeck, NewTechWood). Hidden-fix or screw-fix systems.
5. Handrail install (2–3 days): 316 stainless balustrade, glass infill (if specified), integrated LED.
6. Pontoon install if specified (2–3 days): Pile-driven anchor system + pontoon delivery + gangway + cleats.
7. Commissioning (1 day): Final structural inspection, MSQ / Council / body-corporate sign-off, handover documentation.

Engineering & approvals workflow.

• Engineering design: Coastal-marine structural engineer (Bligh Tanner, Cardno, or Hardy McKew typical Gold Coast specialists) produces drawings + load case + pile-penetration spec. Required for any new pile install. ~$3K–$8K engineering fee included in the rebuild quote.
• Form 17 lodgement: Private building certifier (we use 4 Gold Coast certifiers depending on project type). Self-assessable for like-for-like footprint. Full MCU for footprint extension. 2–6 weeks.
• MSQ Tidal Works approval: Required for any new pile installation or footprint change. 4–8 weeks lodgement to decision. Application fee ~$320 + our preparation cost included in rebuild quote.
• Body-corporate approval (SCCMA, Hope Harbour): 3–6 weeks. Architectural drawings + materials schedule + photo submission.
• Insurance / utility coordination: Property insurer notification (some policies require), neighbour notification (pile-driving), works-zone marker buoys if floating barge plant.

Pile choice — service-life vs cost.

• H6 marine-grade CCA-treated hardwood: Standard Gold Coast pile spec. 25–40 year service life. ~$650–$1,200 per pile material + drive cost.
• Creosote-treated turpentine: Premium hardwood option. 40–60+ year service life. ~$900–$1,500 per pile.
• Concrete-cased composite pile: Steel core, concrete jacket, composite outer wrap. Marine-borer-immune. 50–100+ year design life. ~$1,500–$2,400 per pile.
• Full reinforced-concrete pile: Cast in-place or precast. Premium new construction. 100+ year design life. ~$2,500–$4,000 per pile.