The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA SA) says the state’s iconic jetties are at risk of “going missing” due to underfunding, prompting a new campaign calling for urgent SA Government investment to protect the much-loved community assets.
LGA SA’s new Going Missing campaign highlights the increasing challenge councils face in maintaining ageing jetty infrastructure, and the need for a stronger funding partnership to secure their future.
The Association is calling on the State Government to double annual funding for council-leased jetty maintenance from $5 million to $10 million, and to introduce a fairer 80/20 cost-sharing model for ongoing upkeep ensuring these significant public assets can be preserved for future generations.
LGA SA Immediate Past President, Kimba Mayor Dean Johnson said jetties play a vital role in coastal communities, supporting tourism, local economies and recreation, but existing funding arrangements are placing their long-term future in doubt.
“Jetties are where communities gather, where families fish and swim, and where visitors experience the best of our coastline,” Mayor Johnson said.
“But right now, too many councils are being left to carry the financial burden of maintaining these important assets on their own, which is often beyond their budget capacity.
“When coastal towns lose their jetties, they lose part of their community fabric and distinctive local character. And once it’s gone, it’s often gone forever. We can’t let our coastal heritage be washed away with the tide.
“This campaign is about making sure our jetties don’t slowly disappear due to lack of investment, and we’re asking the State Government to join with us and stop our jetties from Going Missing for good.”
The campaign builds on the outcomes of last year’s Jetties Summit held at West Beach and reflects the ongoing work of the Jetties Working Group – bringing together local government and industry leaders – which has consistently called for stronger, more sustainable funding arrangements.
It also reinforces findings from LGA’s 2023 Value of Jetties report, which found jetties help contribute more than $103 million to the state’s economy each year and support around 800 full-time jobs.
For Kingston District Council CEO, Ian Hart, who sits on the Jetties Working Group, the destruction of the town’s 150-year-old local jetty during last year’s king tide event is a stark reminder of the reality facing other coastal communities if a more realistic funding partnership isn’t reached.
“The decimation of Kingston jetty has been an enormous loss that’s been felt by our whole community,” Mr Hart said.
“These events are only going to become more common in the face of a changing climate and demonstrate that many historic jetties at the end of their natural lives are no longer fit for purpose against current storm activity and projected tidal and wave action.
“We know from the LGA’s Value of Jetties report that Kingston jetty was one of the most visited and most loved jetties in South Australia, and a major tourism driver for our area.
“Unfortunately, our small council doesn’t have the funds to contribute significantly to the almost $11.2 million damage bill alone. Other small coastal councils with jetties needing repair are in a similar position.
“As the jetty owner, the State Government should pay its fair share towards replacement or repair, and we know there are potential innovative treatments that can reduce capital and whole of life costs.
“Despite lodging a claim with the State Government eight months ago, we’re still no closer to a resolution – leaving the jetty’s future and our community in limbo.
“Jetties play a critical role in driving tourism and visitors to our regions – whether it’s the Limestone Coast or Yorke, Eyre and Fleurieu Peninsulas – and it’s time state funding reflected their importance to South Australia’s economy.”
The Going Missing campaign also calls on all South Australians to pledge their support, asking the State Government to take action and fund jetties to ensure they are protected for future generations.
Councils can also join the pledge and promote the Going Missing campaign across their own channels to help build awareness and support.
For more information, or to pledge your support, visit: www.lga.sa.gov.au/jetties.
