Alexandrina Council has temporarily removed scaffolding from the Port Elliot obelisk while repairs are halted over the holiday period.

The historic obelisk at Freemans Knob was struck by lightning during a violent storm in December 2023, sustaining damage to the main structure and the flagpole.

Contractors began repairs in October this year, which the council expected to take six to eight weeks to complete.

When the damaged render was removed they found more damage to the interior construction than was originally assessed.

The council has been consulting engineers on the flagpole design, in consultation with State Heritage.

It will reinstate the scaffolding in the new year when repairs resume. 

A heritage-listed asset, the obelisk overlooking Port Elliot’s Horseshoe Bay was built as a navigation aid for shipping in 1852.