Popular Port Elliot pontoon returns to Horseshoe Bay in Christmas miracle

A beachside town’s council has confirmed the return of the iconic swimming pontoon after it was in danger of being beached due to cost.

Supporters of returning the pontoon to Horseshoe Bay in Port Elliot have received an early Christmas present.

On Monday, the Alexandrina Council approved the reinstallation of the swimming pontoon “as soon as the contractor is available” where it will remain until the end of the Surf Life Saving season.

The pontoon was in danger of being beached due to the increasing cost of management, however due to donations, there will be no cost to council.

Locals Riley Gray, 8, with his mum, Tara Gray and sister, Ariana Gray, 12, in Port Elliot, where the Horseshow Bay pontoon was removed. Picture: Matt Loxton

Pontoon in Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot. Picture: Supplied

Alexandrina mayor Keith Parkes said to the comply with liability insurance requirements, the council would have to conduct daily drone flights over the pontoon, weekly inspections and remove it twice a year for maintenance.

ayor of Alexandrina Keith Parkes. Picture: Mike Burton

“It would cost $68,000 to do it and we don’t have that in our budget,” he told The Advertiser earlier this month.

However, with the support from Goowla Jetty Builder, and if required, offers of personal financial support from the state member Finniss David Basham, the Owler family and Thomas Foods, there will be no net cost to the Council.

The Council will be holding a workshop in February to consider the long-term management of the pontoon.

“I am personally pleased that we have been able to find a solution that should put the pontoon back into Horseshoe Bay as soon as the Goolwa Jetty Builders can fit us in, hopefully in the coming week,” Mr Parkes said.

“I’d like to thank this local business for their generous in-kind support.”

It comes after the pontoon in Robe has been beached for the first time in 52 years as the local council negotiates with its insurers over its demands for daily inspections.

Originally published as Popular Port Elliot pontoon returns to Horseshoe Bay in Christmas miracle