Funding for two coastal park projects after consultants made ‘error’ over Hallett Cove suspension bridge design

A coastal suspension bridge at Hallett Cove that “had no capacity” to hold people will go ahead without design changes – because consultants made an “error”.

Construction will go ahead on a controversial Hallett Cove coastal suspension bridge that consultants originally said could not be walked on – because they made a mistake, a council says.

The design of the Kurnabinna Gully Bridge – part of Marion Council’s Marino Coastal Walkway – was criticised by councillors in December 2022 as having “no capacity for people to actually walk on”.

But a council spokesman says the consultants made an error, and construction will continue without design changes.

It comes as additional funding for the Marino Coastal Walkway and the Witton Bluff Base Trail project is granted by the state government as part of its Coastal Park project.

The released design of the Kurnabinna Gully Bridge interposed with the existing much loved Hallett Cove boardwalk. Picture: City of Marion

When The Advertiser inquired about the lack of design changes, the spokesman said “external consultants made an error relating to engineering loads in late 2022” but the error was “immediately addressed”.

Marion ratepayers slammed the revelation when it was initially reported, with many writing they couldn’t understand how the design flaw was possible.

The Kurnabinna Gully Bridge is now under construction. Picture: City of Marion,

One commenter wrote, “Words fail me! What a complete c**k up. Only a local council could come up something so completely missing the target. Next step, roads you can’t actual drive on no doubt”.

A second commented, “how did it even get through to council – what a waste of ratepayers money”.

A third simply asked “So yet another public-funded fiasco?”

The Kurnabinna Gully Bridge is one of the remaining two stages of the Marino Coastal Walkway project that began construction in March 2023 and received an additional $750,000 in funding from the state government, matched by the Marion Council.

A release from the Planning Minister Nick Champion’s office said the additional funds will support changes to the original designs to “improve accessibility and minimise environmental impacts”

“We recognise councils’ ongoing commitment to invest in high quality and accessible public open space at a time when construction and market conditions are under pressure,” Mr Champion said.

“Our government will help ensure these important works continue as the Coast Park initiative nears completion.”

The spokesman from the Marion Council said the funds they received have been allocated to “alleviate the pressure brought on by increased construction costs”.

The current construction includes suspension bridges across both gullies and improved at-grade paths, with installation of rock anchor systems required.

When completed, the new construction is anticipated to provide a “highly desirable attraction for locals and visitors to enjoy.”

Artist interpretation of the new Witton Bluff Base Trail that has received an additional $700,000 funding from the state government. Picture: Supplied.

Additional funding of $700,000 has also been provided for the recently approved Witton Bluff Base Trail further south.

Onkaparinga Council requested extra funding from the government for the project after lengthy delays, which has now been granted.

The trail project will include a new 1.37 km section of walkway around Witton Bluff between the foreshores of Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga designed to be accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the “much-awaited” trail has been a collaborative effort for many years and was excited for construction to begin in 2024.

“Christies Beach and Port Noarlunga are already two of Onkaparinga’s most popular destinations, but an accessible shared-use path linking two of the state’s best beaches will attract even more visitors, helping people keep healthy and active, and stimulating the local economy,” she said.

Originally published as Funding for two coastal park projects after consultants made ‘error’ over Hallett Cove suspension bridge design