$31m Granite Island causeway plans reveal heritage sections for fishing and public viewing
Designs for the new Granite Island causeway have been released – and fishers will love it.
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Two viewing platforms alongside the new concrete $31m Granite Island causeway will pay homage to Victor Harbor’s existing heritage structure.
The State Commission Assessment Panel has released plans for the new causeway for public comment, revealing a repaired 85m section of the existing causeway will remain in place at Granite Island and a 48m section on the Victor Harbor end.
Both will be used as viewing platforms but the Granite Island section will also attract fishers.
Under State Government plans, the new causeway will replace the current one, built in 1864 and plagued by structural integrity problems.
Some opponents have raised concerns the project might endanger the vulnerable little penguin population or southern right whales, and have advocated for the current structure to be repaired, because it would be less invasive.
A report to the SCAP said an overhaul of the existing causeway would cost more, not last as long and close access to the island for 18 months.
A 2019 assessment found the causeway in “poor to very poor” condition, prompting temporary works to make it safer. It was closed to the public for six months and is still off limits to vehicles during high winds.
Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins was pleased the old structure would be incorporated into the project.
“The new causeway will take us into the future and will be a great gateway to Granite Island for its horse-drawn tram and be really safe,” she said.
“Most people are really looking forward to having the new causeway and having some stability.”
It will be built parallel to the existing one, 10m to its east. The current causeway will be kept open during the construction.
Plans show the project will minimise disruption to marine fauna through measures including ceasing piling works if whales, dolphins, Australian sea-lions or little penguins enter a 300 exclusion zone.
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The shallow water depth reduces the likelihood of southern right wales entering the exclusion zone, the plans say.
Lights would be directed away from penguin breeding areas and noisy activities would only happen after sunrise and before sunset while the animals are away from their burrows.
Works are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021, and the causeway open to the public before the end of the year.
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