Work is underway to finally install new stairs at the end of Port Noarlunga Jetty, according to a recent statement from the City of Onkaparinga. 

This will create much needed safe access for divers and snorkelers entering the Port Noarlunga Reef Aquatic Reserve. 

Port Noarlunga Reef is the state’s best known aquatic reserve and sees over 170 000 visitors each year. The unique reserve is home to more than 200 species of marine creatures and plants, including the Port Jackson shark.

The old staircase was ripped from the jetty during a fierce storm on 20 November 2018. 

This left the jetty without end access for two peak summer seasons. During this time the only entry site to the popular marine reserve has been via steps halfway along the jetty. This raised concerns for safety due to the long distance swim — approximately 300 metres — to the reef. 

On Fathers’ Day 2019 a five-year-old boy stumbled and fell off the end of the jetty. His father quickly dove in after him. With no lifebuoy on the jetty and no way to get back up, the two trod water in icy temperatures for almost an hour. Bystanders jumped in to help them to safety. 

This hazardous incident raised an outcry from family members and the public for the City of Onkaparinga, who manage the jetty, to install the new staircase promptly. 

In June 2019, Council issued an update on Facebook stating that the new staircase was built and the contractors were waiting for consecutive days of perfect conditions to install the free-standing piles. 

“Piling is the procedure of setting deep foundations into the seabed to create a robust and stable base for construction to commence. It's a difficult process in the marine environment and involves mobilising a barge with specialist equipment.”

Piling is now complete and work has begun to prepare the jetty and pile connections above and below the ocean surface. An exclusion zone has been set in place around the work area and the jetty will be closed while the contractors are on site. 

The project, which is estimated to cost $300 000, is planned for completion by the end of March.

The old staircase was placed north of the jetty to create an artificial reef for marine life.