Storm Damage Update

A powerful storm system during the last week of May brought a rare combination of unusual high tides, strong winds and heavy surf to the Fleurieu Coast, causing significant erosion and damage to Council-managed coastal areas.

The impacts were felt across multiple locations, including Normanville, Carrickalinga, Second Valley, Rapid Bay, Myponga Beach and Cape Jervis. Some of the most visible damage has occurred at popular beach access points and foreshore areas.

Over the past few weeks, Council teams have been working hard across all affected sites to assess the damage, make safe through interim measures, begin the clean-up and plan for the repairs needed to safely restore access.

Normanville

At Normanville, the jetty has sustained storm damage and remains closed. Council is organising a detailed inspection by qualified engineers. This inspection will help us understand exactly what repairs are required and this allow us to develop the designs and safety documentation needed to move forward. Repairs to the jetty will follow a formal process, in line with our lease agreement with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT). We are working closely with DIT to secure funding for the repair works.

Nearby, the beach stairs at Normanville are also closed, while we await a full engineering assessment to determine what structural repairs are needed. The walkway to the jetty and the boat ramp have also been damaged, with sections undermined by the force of the storm. Our team is currently reviewing options for these repairs.

The storm also shifted the pontoon from its moorings and pushed it onto the beach. This gave Council teams an opportunity to safely retrieve it and whilst the ladder was damaged, the structural integrity of the pontoon itself is fine. The pontoon will be stored securely at Council’s depot over winter while we explore options for sponsorship or support to bring it back for future summers. Council will keep the community informed as planning progresses for the pontoon’s return.

Carrickalinga

At Carrickalinga, the storm caused minor damage to the beach access stairs and reshaped some of the sand dunes, removing significant portions of sand. These issues are being reviewed by Council staff, with repairs to follow where needed.

Second Valley

At Second Valley, there is visible damage to the causeway. This is a state heritage-listed structure and DIT has confirmed they are progressing repairs, which will include specialised stonework. The Second Valley Jetty sustained minor damage during the storm. Temporary repairs have already been completed, which preserves public access, but a detailed engineering inspection is required to check for any further issues.

Rapid Bay

The Rapid Bay Campground experienced severe flooding, with large amounts of sand (up to half a metre high) pushed into the campground by the storm surge. This excess sand has now been removed by our team. Some fencing near the beach collapsed under the pressure of the waters and is being repaired, and scattered rocks that covered the access road have been cleared. Some damage to the road surface has also been identified and is being addressed.

Myponga Beach

The beach stairs at Myponga Beach have been severely damaged and are currently closed. Council is reviewing whether they can be repaired or if they will need to be replaced. The fencing and access path to the beach were also damaged and are being assessed.

Cape Jervis

At Cape Jervis, we are working alongside DIT to assess damage to the boat ramp and the pontoon finger. Large amounts of debris were left across walking paths and underneath the pontoon, and this will need to be carefully removed.

What Happens Next?

While some immediate clean-up and minor repairs have already taken place, many sites require specialist engineering advice and further work to ensure they are safe to reopen.

Council is now progressing the formal steps needed to secure funding, complete safety approvals, and engage contractors.

A detailed report outlining the full extent of the storm damage and estimated repair costs will be presented to Council in the coming months. Where possible, we will continue to work alongside state agencies like DIT to share responsibility for managing and funding some of the repairs.

This was a significant weather event, and we know how much these coastal areas mean to our community and visitors. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this process.

For more details, we encourage you to read the June Assets and Environment Update report to Council. Future updates will be shared on Council’s website, Facebook page and in upcoming newsletters.