Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island’s Penneshaw ferry ports to be modernised in $22m revamp

The ports for the Kangaroo Island ferry will receive $22m worth of upgrades, in a project the state government says will reduce the risk of regular and longer shutdowns.

Cape Jervis and Penneshaw’s ports for the Kangaroo Island ferry will get $22m worth of upgrades, including new berthing and mooring infrastructure.

Works will also include an aerobridge at the Cape Jervis port, from the terminal deck level to the ferry entry door.

The old berthing and mooring facilities at both locations will be demolished.

The upgrade at Cape Jervis is expected to begin early in 2022 and later in the year at Penneshaw, with both projects set for completion in 2023.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard said the facilities at both docks were at the end of their useful life.

The SeaLink ferry arriving at Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Picture: Tom Huntley

“This $22m investment will secure the long-term future of the ports, ensuring safe access to Kangaroo Island, providing a community and economic benefit to the island and the state while also facilitating ­potential future investment and development,” he said.

“Effective, capable and reliable port infrastructure at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw is critical to the welfare and economic success of Kangaroo Island, as a critical sea link between the island and the mainland for cars, freight and passengers.”

Mr Wingard said without the works, there was a high risk the ports would face regular and longer shutdowns.

The works will happen in conjunction with upgrades of the Cape Jervis and Penneshaw jetties, worth $1.5m.

Meantime, a competitive market-based process is underway for ferry services between the mainland and Kangaroo Island from July 2024.

[e-mail]