Structural work on the historic Port Elliot Jetty is scheduled to start this week and the state government has announced a $174,000 contribution to the

repairs through its SA Jetties Renewal Program.

The popular jetty, built in 1852 at Horseshoe Bay, has been closed since it was damaged in a storm in early February 2023.

Alexandrina Council initially thought the damage was minor, but investigations revealed significant structural loss to several pylons and bracing, which meant it had to close the jetty to the public for safety reasons.

Chief Executive Officer Nigel Morris has welcomed the news of state funding.

“Council allocated $230,000 for the jetty’s immediate remediation in our 2023/24 budget while also applying for State grant funding,” he says.

“This additional State grant funding means we can take advantage of the significant expense of launching a marine barge and address not just the

structural issues identified after the storm, but the other parts of the jetty our contractors have advised will need urgent repairs in the next five to 10 years.

“Port Elliot Jetty is a much-loved feature in our community and for our many visitors so being able to secure its long-term future is important.”

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis says the state government was pleased to confirm the SA Jetties Renewal Program contribution of up to $174,000.

“This represents 50 per cent of the estimated cost required to reopen the jetty for the benefit of visitors to Horseshoe Bay and the local community, he says.

“I would like to congratulate Alexandrina Council for its proactive and cooperative approach to securing this outcome.”

Mr Koutsantonis says the state government recently established a $20 million grant to help fast-track urgent repairs to jetties across South Australia, with a key focus on jetties under long-term lease to councils.

“From the outset, we expressed the view that we expect councils to contribute to this effort.

“I appreciate Alexandrina Council’s willingness to do that – this is exactly the type of partnership this grant program was designed to achieve, and the local

community will benefit quickly as a result.”

Port Elliot Jetty is owned by the Government of South Australia but leased by the Alexandrina Council, which is financially responsible for repairs and

maintenance.

On-site work is expected to start next week and, weather permitting, be finished by 30 March.

“There was a delay earlier this year when specialist barge equipment necessary for the works was being used by our contractor on a separate rail

bridge project in Port Augusta,” Mr Morris says.

“In the meantime, work has continued off-site with the jetty stairs being prefabricated and the sourcing of specialist-treated timber.

“We have now mobilised equipment and action is starting to happen with a crane arriving on site this week.”

For more information regarding the Port Elliot Jetty project visit the Alexandrina Council website.