Port Noarlunga jetty reopened to the community yesterday, Friday 22 August, following repairs to damage caused by storms in late May.

The 1921-built jetty sustained damage to its decking boards, handrail, kickboards, girders and cross beams during the wild surf, winds and tides; the City of Onkaparinga closed it on 27 May to ensure public safety.

It then organised engineering inspections, specialist contractors and procurement of suitable hardwood, with vital restoration works planned and safely implemented around volatile winter conditions.

State MP Kaurna Chris Picton says the reopening of the jetty was, “fantastic news”, for the Port Noarlunga shoreline.

“I’m really excited that our much-loved local jetty has been fixed and will continue to be enjoyed by the community for years to come,” he says.

“A lot of hard work has gone into making sure the jetty was reopened before the warmer months, and I’m grateful to the City of Onkaparinga, Department for Transport and Infrastructure, Mayor Moira Were and Minister Tom Koutsantonis for making this happen.”

City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Lauren Jew has thanked the community for its patience and understanding during the complex repair process.

“Closing an iconic destination like the Port Noarlunga jetty is always a last resort, but these repairs were paramount to ensure it remains a place for locals and visitors to create precious memories for many years to come.” 

The total cost of the repair works associated with storm-related damage is estimated at $275,000, covering materials, labour and engineering services.

Port Noarlunga jetty is a state government asset leased to the City of Onkaparinga, and under the lease agreement the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is responsible for covering the costs of major repairs resulting from storm events.

The council contributes the initial $10,000 toward such repairs, indexed from the date of the lease agreement, now amounting to approximately $18,000, with the remainder of the cost funded by DIT.

Separate to the storm damage repairs, the council is planning additional jetty works to upgrade a number of timber pylons and associated structural components. This work is scheduled to take place in early 2026 outside of the peak summer period to minimise disruption.

There may be temporary restrictions and/or closures to the public along sections of the jetty while these works are taking place.

These works were identified after an above and below-water inspection of the jetty revealed deterioration in 2024.

Stay up to date with the project at the council’s Your Say page.

The Witton Bluff Base Trail project is the next key piece of coastal infrastructure to be completed in the City of Onkaparinga with the official opening scheduled for 11am today, Saturday 23 August.