Alexandrina Council has opened community consultation on the Sugars Beach infrastructure upgrades on Hindmarsh Island.

Sugars Beach is located at the Murray Mouth and the council says current infrastructure and public amenities are underwhelming and in need of upgrades.

It aims to improve the visitor experience and raise awareness of the area’s status as an environmentally and culturally significant site.

“Sugars Beach currently has limited formal pathway connections to its surrounding environment. 

“There are no permanent structures to share information or provide visitors with the necessary facilities that encourage exploration, environmental awareness or an extended stay.

“Proposed improvements aim to encourage visitors to seek and explore the rich cultural stories of the Ngarrindjeri people; to connect with its people, food, water and wildlife, to discover the story of the Murray River and the importance of water flows for river health, and then go on to explore the Coorong - the ‘Karangk’.”

The council has allocated $1.35 million towards the project and its awaiting confirmation of $1million state and federal government funding.

Preliminary feedback from the community has triggered some changes to the concept plan and the council is now seeking further feedback.

It will hold a drop-in session from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 18 August at the Council Chamber in Cadell Street, Goolwa, where council staff will be available to discuss the project.

Full details of the Sugars Beach proposal and a survey form are available at My Say Alexandrina.

Submissions will be accepted until 5pm on Sunday 4 September by mail, email, in person at the Strathalbyn or Goolwa council offices or online.