The City of Onkaparinga is calling for more investment from the state government to help maintain the Port Noarlunga jetty.

This follows recent community concerns about the safety of the historic jetty, built in 1921, with a woman reported to have broken both arms in a fall.

Onkaparinga CEO Phu Nguyen says that like most South Australian jetties, it is owned by the state government, but the council is responsible for maintenance under a lease agreement.

“It’s an old timber structure that continually shifts, moves and sways in the ocean environment, and as a result its timber boards become uneven and trip hazards can emerge.

“For this reason, we have a dedicated maintenance crew that checks the jetty each Monday, often tightening bolts and screws in the timber boards, repairing handrails and replacing boards as needed.

“In May 2023, we replaced 160 timber boards at a cost of $130,000 starting from the landward end of the jetty. 

“We’re required to use raw timber because the jetty is under state heritage protection, and these boards have natural variations in thickness and dimensions.

“Even with new timber boards, the deck will inherently contain some unevenness due to the movement of the structure.

Mr Nguyen says these factors mean everyone should be mindful when walking on the jetty and signage has been installed to warn the public of trip hazards.

“We’re currently undertaking an engineering inspection on the jetty, which will determine the extent of future structural works and board replacement for the next 10 years. 

“We’re also currently repairing the middle timber stairs and dive platform after they were damaged after a major storm in 2023.

The jetty lease is due for renewal in 2027.

The state government recently announced extension of its jetty maintenance funding in the upcoming budget, with an additional $5 million from 2027-28.

This extends the initial $20 million announced in last year’s state budget, with councils required to match funding for jetty repairs.

It says the funding is designed to address immediate and critical concerns regarding the condition and sustainability of state jetties.