Kangaroo Island Council is yet to find a solution to ongoing access issues at Pennington Bay. 

The $2.17 million upgrade of Penneshaw’s foreshore along Hog Bay Beach and Frenchmans Terrace was expected to be completed by Spring 2025. 

Work on the project was suspended in September 2024 due to unforeseen construction issues.

A council briefing on Thursday 30 January  revealed little progress on the Pennington Bay pathway and staircase project., with no final solution in sight. 

“While the upper section of the steps has been completed with a handrail, the lower section remains unfinished due to ongoing engineering challenges. 

“One of the primary difficulties is ensuring the project meets building standards and successfully navigates the Development Application process, which takes time.

The council says any major construction solution will require significant funding and will need to be considered in next year’s budget, meaning implementation is still some time away.

Meanwhile visitors have difficulty in safely accessing the beach. 

The council says it is seeking urgent advice from Crown Lands and the Coastal Protection Board to determine if a new access point can be fast-tracked. 

Until then, it strongly advises visitors to exercise caution and avoid creating their own paths through the dunes, which could lead to erosion and environmental damage.

A meeting with the Coastal Protection Board is scheduled for late February and the council will subsequently provide an update on progress.

Mayor Michael Pengilly has committed the council to transparency and community engagement on the project, 

“We acknowledge the frustration this situation has caused. While we are working to find a practical and sustainable solution, we must also be realistic about the challenges ahead. We appreciate the community’s patience as we navigate these issues.”