It’s no secret that the cost of repairing and maintaining the huge number of wooden jetties in small coastal towns is causing severe stress on local authorities.
It means many of these structures so beloved by grey nomads as places to stroll, to eat fish and chips, or to throw in a line, are facing an increasingly uncertain future.
In South Australia, for example, the District Council of Tumby Bay recently decided not to accept the $2.4 million funding under the SA Jetties Renewal Program, and will instead return the Tumby Bay and Port Neill jetties to the State Government at the end of their lease terms.
Mayor Geoff Churchett said it was a tough decision as the jetties are an integral part of the area’s history and identity.
Fixer upper ... significant repairs were carried out at the Coffs Harbour jetty last year. PIC Cizza
“The reality is that the costs are too high, and the community has told us they cannot support the rate increases needed to take this on,” he said. “The State Government owns these jetties, and we believe they should provide the same level of funding for regional jetties as they do for those in metropolitan areas.”
The Port Neill Jetty lease expires on June 27, and the Tumby Bay Jetty lease ends on June 21, 2026.
It is not yet clear what will happen to the two jetties when they are returned to the State Government.
A Department for Infrastructure and Transport spokesperson told the GNT that, under the terms and conditions of the leases, councils which return a jetty to State Government must do so in a condition of good tenantable repair.
Currently, 35 of South Australia’s 75 jetties are divested to councils, with the State Government responsible for the remaining jetties.
“The State Government is committed to continuing to work with all councils willing to co-invest to ensure the proper upkeep of jetties is being made now and into the future,” the spokesperson said.
Last year, research showed South Australia’s economy could lose over $103 million every year if its jetties ceased to exist.
And, of course, the problem is far from restricted to South Australia.
The harsh marine environment in which they stand, means jetties are literally fighting for their lives along the entire Australian coastline.
WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO HISTORIC WINTON
Grey Nomad members are being given the chance to win one of two double passes for the 48th Historic Winton to be held May 24-25 at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria. The fabulous event promises two full days of historic car racing and vehicle displays of the elegant, the rustic, the weird and wacky. Both double passes (each valued at $170) offer entry for two people for both days. Camping is available at the event.
Click here to learn about Historic Winton, our competition, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
