A safety hazard at the Cape Jervis boat ramp is being removed by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT).

The finger was built to launch, retrieve and fender boats at the ramp.

An independent assessment by marine engineers determined that its structural integrity was poor and it was unsafe.

District Council of Yankalilla Mayor Simon Rothwell says the council has been working with the state government for a solution for the Cape Jervis boat ramp and finger.

Last week DIT told the council that the finger should be removed due to the extreme level risk it presents in its current condition.

The finger’s issues include the cement walkway not having foundations nor any structural reinforcing and the surrounding steel casing has rusted away.

The timber posts holding the tyres that hold up the walk way are no longer structurally sound.

The ladder is unserviceable and the current walkway structure is so weak a new ladder can’t be attached.

“Representatives of DIT are in the process of removing the finger at their cost. The boat ramp will remain open,” Mayor Rothwell says. 

“Council understands the importance of the finger and will be considering a report at the September Council meeting to seek State Government funding to replace the infrastructure as a priority.

“This is a really important step in building the relationship between Council and DIT to progress the much-needed improvements to the boat launching facilities at Cape Jervis.”