$20 million investment to breathe new life into ageing jetties
Good news for South Australia’s iconic jetties. Several regional councils have been awarded funding to repair and improve our cherished landmarks as part of the SA Jetties Renewal Program, ensuring they remain safe and accessible for locals and tourists for years to come.
This program comes after concerns were raised about the deteriorating condition of many jetties across the state. Earlier this year, the closure of the Tumby Bay jetty sparked passionate protests from the community demanding something be done to save their iconic landmark after being closed since October 2022 when strong winds damaged the jetty, deeming it unsafe.
“Jetties are critical pieces of infrastructure in our coastal communities,” said Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis. “This commitment by the State Government will help repair and futureproof them for years to come.”
The SA Jetties Renewal Program focuses on divested jetties – those owned by the state but leased to local councils. The program will provide $10 million over four years for up to 10 jetty projects across several regions, including Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula and the South East.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key funding allocations:
- Tumby Bay Jetty Renewal: This jetty, which was the focus of community protests, will receive a $2.4 million funding boost.
- Yorke Peninsula Piling Program: This $3.5 million program will address critical works potentially on jetties in Ardrossan, Port Victoria, Edithburgh and Stansbury.
- Port Elliot Jetty: Alexandrina Council will receive $174,000 to reopen this jetty, which was forced to close in February 2023 due to safety concerns.
- Port Lincoln Town Jetty: The City of Port Lincoln received $380,000 for jetty refurbishment works which were completed late last year.
- Kingston Jetty: Kingston District Council will receive $2.87 million for jetty repairs.
The SA Jetties Renewal Program is a positive step towards ensuring these beloved jetties continue to be vibrant hubs for communities and visitors and is a welcome relief for councils struggling to meet the maintenance costs.
But as part of the deal, councils receiving funding need to match the Government’s commitment on a dollar-for-dollar basis, enter into a minimum 15-year lease and bear full responsibility for the care, control and maintenance of the jetty.
