South Australian Jetties Need More Support – Have Your Say
Most South Australians have spent time on a jetty at some point, and chances are, like me, you’ve got a favourite. Whether it’s memories of jetty jumping as kids, throwing in a line, or simply heading down for a morning walk and a bit of sea air, jetties are more than just something you pass time on.
They’re part of how coastal towns tick. A place to gather, slow down, and take it all in. And while the way people use them has shifted over time, the connection hasn’t gone anywhere.
Right now, that connection is under pressure.
What’s actually going on?
Across South Australia, a lot of jetties are ageing, with some dating back to the 1800s. Although they’ve held on this long, they’re starting to show their age.
Salt, storms and steady use take their toll and fixing them isn’t simple or cheap. Replacing pylons, repairing decking, dealing with storm damage and keeping lighting up to standard all adds up.
Local Councils manage a lot of the jetties, and they’re saying the cost is getting harder to carry alone. That’s why there’s a push for the State Government to step in with more funding and a clearer partnership so councils aren’t left trying to patch up ageing infrastructure without enough support.
Without this shift, more jetties risk closing or slipping into disrepair.
Why it matters
If you’ve spent any time near the coast, you already know the answer.
Jetties aren’t just there for looks – they bring people into town, and they keep them there longer. Around 86% of people visited a jetty in the past year, and many head back again and again.
When they do, they spend money – coffee, lunch, bait, a few bits and bobs from the local shops. That adds up to more than $100 million flowing into the state economy each year and supports around 800 jobs.
They also shape how a place feels. Almost everyone agrees jetties make towns more appealing and gives people a reason to stop, wander and come back.
And then there’s the simple stuff like walking, fishing and getting outside. These are the kind of things people don’t always think about until they’re gone.
The Real Cost Of Closing South Australian Jetties
Some jetties are already closed, and people still talk about them like they’re just waiting to reopen.
About a third of people say there are jetties they value but can’t access anymore.
When one shuts, it affects local businesses, tourism, and the everyday rhythm of the town. Tumby Bay is one example, where the jetty closure has had a clear knock-on effect across the community.
What you can do to help
If this feels close to home, there are a few simple ways to back your local jetty.
Add your name to the public pledge calling for stronger funding support.
Share the campaign so it stays on people’s radar.
And speak up locally. Councils and decision-makers notice when communities show they care.
The bottom line
Jetties might look simple, and for some, insignificant, but they support local economies, they shape how coastal towns feel, and they hold a lot of memories for a lot of people.
Right now, keeping them open and safe is getting harder.
So if you’ve got a favourite one, it’s worth paying attention to what happens next.
Want to find out more? Watch the value of SA jetties video (YouTube).
Download the value of Jetties report (PDF 3.0 MB).
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