Vandal carves ‘Locky’ into ancient Port Willunga rock face

A local group has hit out at an “arrogant” vandal after they damaged an iconic South Australian site.

Locals have criticised vandals who carved the name ‘Locky’ on a heritage listed rock near Port Willunga. Picture: Emma Brasier

‘Locky’ has been carved into an ancient heritage listed rock face in the cliffs near Port Willunga beach, leading to condemnation from locals and council.

The 5km stretch of cliff from Maslin Beach to Aldinga Beach is state heritage listed for its rare geological characteristics, including exposures of 65-million-year old sediment and fossils.

Chair of Friends of Port Willunga, Stephanie Johnston, described the damage as “environmental vandalism” and “beyond the pale”.

“As a group we are constantly removing rubbish from the famous cliff caves, where people often come to party, as well as cleaning up after the increasing number of weddings and events being staged here,” she said.

The name was crudely etched into the rock face meters away from the historic Port Willunga jetty. Picture: Friends of Port Willunga

“This recent defacement of the actual cliff face is however beyond the pale — especially the way the perpetrator has cut his name into the cliff sediment so deeply.

“What arrogance that he thinks he is more important than the 65 million year old geological heritage?”

A City of Onkaparinga spokesman confirmed the site was heritage listed.

Chair of Friends of Port Willunga, Stephanie Johnston (right) and local resident Yanni Twopenny (left) helped to quickly cover the vandalism. Picture: Emma Brasier

“It’s disappointing to see that someone has defaced part of these state heritage-listed cliffs, which are geologically significant and are there for everyone to enjoy,” the spokesman said.

The maximum penalty for deliberately defacing a state heritage listed place is $500,000.

“We hope that Advertiser readers take note of the state heritage value of these cliffs, and call out anyone they might see offending in this way in the future,” Ms Johnston said.

The crude carving, which locals speculated may have appeared last weekend, has since been filled in to deter future vandals.