Ministers Tom Koutsantonis and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan have announced a $5m annual indefinite extension of its Jetties Renewal Program

South Australia’s dilapidated jetties will receive a major cash injection as part of a state government budget promise.

South Australia’s dilapidated jetties will receive a cash injection of $5m a year in perpetuity as part of a state government budget promise.

The news comes as Tumby Bay residents celebrate the reopening of their jetty for the first time in nearly two years, and in the wake of an ongoing Sunday Mail Save our Jetties campaign.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said the new pledge was a $5m annual indefinite extension of its Jetties Renewal Program aimed at underpinning the long-term health of jetties.

South Australia’s dilapidated jetties will receive a cash injection of $5m a year. Picture: Tiff Firth

The money is designed to help local councils pay for the long-term viability of jetties, many of which are in danger of closure and falling into the ocean after decades of neglect. “In allocating these funds into the future, we remain committed to working with relevant councils that are willing to co-contribute to any necessary repairs,” Mr Mullighan said.

“The Malinauskas Labor government has already made a considerable capital contribution that demonstrates the importance we place on the significance of jetties to their local communities.

“This ongoing commitment – locked into the budget cycle from 2027-28 – will ensure we can continue to underpin the required maintenance and upkeep of some of South Australia’s most beloved pieces of infrastructure – and some of our premier tourist attractions.”

There are 75 state-owned jetties in South Australia, 36 of which are leased back to local government on long-term contracts on the condition the councils pay for their maintenance.

An LGA report released earlier this year found people visiting jetties injected more than $103m into the SA economy each year.

The money is designed to help local councils pay for the long-term viability of jetties. Picture: Tiff Firth

Meanwhile, in Tumby Bay, locals and visitors have worn a steady path down to the town’s historic jetty after SafeWork SA gave the council the go-ahead on Friday to remove the fencing that has prevented access since wild storms damaged the structure in October 2022.

Tumby Bay Progress Association chairman Dion LeBrun said the town was abuzz with happiness.

“It’s just tremendous news for everyone in the town – the thing’s been just about worn out already – there’s been that much traffic since late yesterday afternoon when it opened,” Mr LeBrun said on Saturday.

“And, of course, after two years or so of not catching any squid up there, apparently it was the best squidding anyone’s ever seen in their lives.”

Tumby Bay Council won the green light to reopen the jetty after the completion of temporary repair works carried out without cost by maritime contractors Maritime Constructions.

There are 75 state-owned jetties in South Australia, 36 of which are leased back to local government on long-term contracts. Picture: Tiff Firth

The council expects the repairs to give the jetty another 12-18 months worth of use before more permanent works, with a cost estimated to range between $4.8m and $14m, are required. “The long-term issues with the jetty haven’t been solved and are still sitting there,” Mr LeBrun said.

“We are really no further advanced than we were two years ago. But at least the jetty is opened and can be used.

“It’s been great. All the angst has dissipated around the town – it’s a real feel-good time at the moment.”

The Sunday Mail reported earlier this year that debate about the Tumby Bay jetty had resulted in death threats towards Mayor Geoff Churchett and was tearing the community apart.

Mr Churchett said the temporary reopening of the jetty would give the council and state government time to work towards a more permanent solution.   The state government has offered to pay $2.4m towards repairing the jetty.