Funding boost for coastal infrastructure and community projects

The District Council of Yankalilla and several local community groups have secured significant funding through the South Australian Government’s Algal Bloom Response Coastal Infrastructure Grant Fund and Local Government Grant Fund.

The funding forms part of a broader state and federal response to recent algal bloom impacts, supporting coastal infrastructure improvements, environmental initiatives and community-led projects across affected areas.

Through a competitive application process, a number of projects across the district were successful in receiving funding which doesn’t require matching funds from the recipient. This outcome will deliver a combined benefit for residents, visitors and the local environment.

Successful projects in the Yankalilla district include:

• District Council of Yankalilla – $50,000 for new coastal showers and BBQ facilities, including installations at Normanville Foreshore and Carrickalinga Beach, as well as additional BBQs at Rapid Bay Campground.

• District Council of Yankalilla – $50,000 to upgrade public amenities at Rapid Bay, including accessibility improvements, internal refurbishment and more durable infrastructure suited to coastal conditions.

• Normanville Tennis Club – $50,000 to resurface four community tennis courts.

• Cape Jervis Progress Association – $50,000 for stage one of the Cape Jervis Sculpture Trail, creating a welcoming town gateway with public art, a boardwalk, seating and shelter.

• Fleurieu Environment Centre (Normanville HAB Monitoring Group) – $16,500 to establish a community-led citizen science laboratory to monitor harmful algal blooms along local beaches.

• Yankalilla District Residents Association Inc – $50,000 to establish a disability-accessible inland dog park adjacent the Bugala River in Normanville.

These projects reflect a strong partnership between Council and local organisations, with several applications developed collaboratively to maximise outcomes for the community.

Mayor Darryl Houston said the funding would deliver tangible improvements across the district while supporting community resilience.

“This is a fantastic outcome for our district. These projects will enhance our coastal spaces, improve accessibility and support community wellbeing, while also responding to the environmental challenges posed by algal bloom events,” Mayor Houston said.

Council also acknowledges the significant effort of staff and community groups who worked together to prepare and submit applications within tight timeframes.

While this announcement represents a substantial investment in the district, additional funding has also been provided through earlier allocations to support local initiatives, including community events and environmental restoration works.

For more information on the grants program, visit the South Australian Government’s algal bloom website or contact AlgalBloomCoordination@sa.gov.au.