THE Kingston District Council is one of seven regional councils which has been offered funding to futureproof their jetties as part of the South Australia Jetties Renewal Program.
The Kingston Jetty will receive $2.87 million towards upgrading its structure with elements capable of preserving it for a longer period of time.
The program was a part of a $20m investment to improve the condition and sustainability of jetties, reopening them and keeping them open to locals and visitors.
In November 2023, councils were encouraged to apply for the funding, which gathered $40.308 million in funding requests over 10 applications.
As part of the program the state government has allocated $10 million over four years for divested jetties owned by the state but leased to local councils.
Councils to receive funding were asked to contribute financially to their project on a 50/50 split and accepted an extension to the lease arrangements for a minimum of 15 years once their project is completed.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis said jetties were a critical piece of infrastructure for the coastal communities in the state.
“This commitment by the state government will help breathe new life into some of our state’s most-loved jetties, helping repair and futureproof them for years to come,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“The Jetties Renewal Program ensures councils get the leg-up they need to repair these assets, benefiting thousands of locals and visitors who use them each year.
“Sadly, some jetties across the state have had to be closed in recent times due to their poor and unsafe condition, with some councils unable or unwilling to spend the funds required to meet their maintenance obligations under their long-term lease arrangements.
“I am hopeful that through this program we can help local government to address those issues and get these jetties back open for the benefit of their communities.”
Other jetties which received funding were located in the Yorke Peninsula, Port Lincoln, Port Elliot, Port Vincent, Port Hughes and Tumby Bay.
