The new Granite Island causeway will feature Ngarrindjeri-Ramindjeri etching designs, linking the new structure to local history. 

The designs were revealed as part of NAIDOC Week on Saturday 10 July.

Finniss MP David Basham says the Ngarrindjeri-Ramindjeri etching designs will provide a link to the thousands of years of history in the Fleurieu Peninsula. 

“It is important that with every new project, a respect is given to tradition and culture. This is going to be the longest piece of Aboriginal art in Australia,” he says.

The designs include 11 creation story characters, 18 clan motifs and 650 metres of ribbon motif depicting two Ngarrindjeri-Ramindjeri Dreaming stories: Kondoli Dreaming and Ngurunderi Dreaming.

“I thank the local Ngarrindjeri-Ramindjeri community and artists, the department and the construction company McConnell Dowell for working together to deliver a beautiful story across the length of the causeway,” Mr Basham says. 

He says that as the old causeway was no longer safe to repair, the $43 million new causeway will now have respectful and lasting links to Aboriginal traditions and culture.

“I am glad that the Government is giving our community the opportunity to improve our infrastructure and create a vibrant culture in the same breath.”

The causeway is expected to be completed in late 2021, weather permitting.