Landmark report finds $36 million needed for run-down jetties as councils plead for more funding

Councils are pleading for millions in funding to upgrade run-down jetties around the state, but where will the funding come from?

Major repairs on the state’s languishing jetties could revitalise local businesses, support hundreds of full-time jobs and add $38 million to the economy.

But many require safety upgrades that could leave ratepayers footing the bill unless the state government steps in to cover more costs.

This is according to the Local Government Association SA, the peak body representing councils, which in a landmark new report found people visiting jetties spend more than $100 million every year in beachside communities.

LGASA president Dean Johnson said the report showed governments at all levels “can’t keep kicking this issue down the road”.

“Councils are collectively spending around $2 million each year to take care of these assets so they can be enjoyed by locals and visitors to our coastal regions, but they don’t have the capacity to fund repairs,” Mr Johnson said.

Edithburgh jetty needs $16 million in repairs to continue attracting tourists and divers to the region, according to the local mayor. Picture: Supplied

Shannon Breuer, 44, (third from right) and his boys enjoy jetty-jumping at Glenelg. Picture: Dean Martin

The report found councils need at least $36 million over the next three decades to ensure 15 of the state’s 35 leased-out jetties remain safe and structurally sound, with many more potentially rquiring repairs.

Deck repairs and pylon replacements are two major cost factors, and in some cases, the original timber from more than 100 years ago is still being used.

“We’re asking the state government to work with local government on a sustainable long-term solution to secure the future of our jetties and ensure these valuable assets aren’t lost for good,” Mr Johnson said.

LGA president and Kimba mayor Dean Johnson. Picture: Supplied

Jetty management has been a bone of contention between local and state governments.

In the last budget, $20 million was allocated over the next four years on jetties, in addition to $32 million already doled out for major works.

However, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said he expected councils to “demonstrate a willingness to pay their fair share”.

“While some councils, through no fault of their own, have been left to repair storm-damaged jetties, there are others that have taken these important community assets for granted, in some cases over an extended period of time,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“Because of their lack of investment assets they have been entrusted to maintain have been allowed to deteriorate, and in some cases even close.

“These councils now believe it is up to taxpayers to step in, while blaming the state government for their own failure to fulfil their obligations.”

Tumby Bay’s jetty was one such closed by severe storms in October 2022 and local mayor Geoff Churchett said repairs were quoted at around $12 million.

Even though his application for more than $1 million in funding through the government’s Jetties Renewal Program was successful, he said the situation is “getting way beyond the council’s scope”.

“Without significant funding, it’s going to be an uphill battle,” Mr Churchett said.

“There were a lot of tourists over the Christmas and New Year period who stopped by in town and were very disappointed that the jetty was closed.

“A seaside town needs a jetty. If we can’t get funding then the community somehow needs to do it, either by fundraising, donations, or council rates.”

Yorke Peninsula mayor Darren Braund has 12 jetties under council care and said a “better deal needs to be reached” with state and federal governments.

“The council has been quoted $16 million to upgrade the Edithburgh jetty, which is the number one dive site in South Australia due to its deep water and abundant marine life,” Mr Braund said.

Yorke Peninsula mayor Darren Braund and Edithburgh jetty. Picture: Supplied

“Our council can only afford to spend $200,000 annually across all 12 jetties leased within the council boundaries, that’s nowhere near enough money in the budget to fund upgrades.”

The report also made other surprising discoveries about the economic impact of jetties.

People visiting jetties and beaches spent an average of $25-50 per day, and properties near a jetty had $65 million in total added to their overall value.

“What this data tells us is that jetties aren’t just nice to look at, they stimulate the South Australian economy in a significant way,” Mr Braund said.

South Pympton resident Shannon Breuer, 44, said getting to the beach for a spot of jetty-jumping helped him connect with his sons.

“We do a lot of driving and try to get to as many jetties as we can across the state,” Mr Breuer said.

“It’s good for our health, good for our mental wellbeing, being out in wide-open spaces.

“They’re a meeting point, there’s always people fishing, or just walking around, and it just lets people connect with each other.”

Jordan Maiovis of Hazelwood Park and Christian Bliss of Highbury catching crabs off Grange Jetty. Picture: Dean Martin

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN JETTIES: KEY TAKEAWAYS

Economic value

• Contribution to state economy: $103 million

• Average amount spent by visitors to jetties: $25-50 per day

• Full-time jobs created due to jetty visitors: 800

Maintenance needed

• $36 million in funding is needed over the next 30 years to cover maintenance costs, resulting in 246 full-time jobs

• Repairs could add $38 million to the state economy

• Eight jetties around the state are fully or partially closed

• 29 jetties were found to be leased out to councils by the government and 18 of those had maintenance completely covered by the council

• Councils shouldered approximately 66 per cent of maintenance costs over the last ten years

• Jetties at Tumby Bay, Pt Germein, Kingston, Normanville, Grange, and Glenelg were priorities for repair, while Old Rapid Bay jetty requires complete replacement

Community survey of 2800 people

• Fishing, tourism, and walking were the most common reasons people valued jetties

• 81 per centof respondents believed the state government should make financial contributions to jetty maintenance, while 54 per cent believes councils have a role to play as well

• Half of respondents have safety concerns about jetties they have visited

• 96 per cent of respondent said towns with jetties are more appealing and attractive to visitors