Stand up for our jetties: community urged to support statewide campaign

The District Council of Yankalilla is encouraging the community to support a statewide campaign to protect South Australia’s iconic jetties from “going missing”.

Led by the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA South Australia), the campaign highlights growing concerns about ageing jetty infrastructure and the increasing financial pressure on councils to maintain these much-loved community assets.

Council has care and control of two local jetties, Normanville Jetty and Second Valley Jetty, which play an important role in the district’s identity, lifestyle and visitor economy. From fishing and walking to sightseeing and connecting with the coast, these jetties are valued by both residents and visitors.

Mayor Darryl Houston said jetties are more than infrastructure; they are part of the fabric of coastal communities.

“Jetties are places where people connect, with each other and with the coast,” Mayor Houston said.

“In our district, Normanville Jetty and Second Valley Jetty are valued by residents and visitors alike for fishing, walking, sightseeing and simply enjoying our beautiful coastline. They are iconic features of our district, popular meeting places and among the most photographed spots along our coast.”

The LGA’s Going Missing campaign is calling on the State Government to double annual funding for council-leased jetty maintenance from $5 million to $10 million and to introduce a fairer 80/20 cost-sharing model for ongoing upkeep.

These changes aim to create a more sustainable funding partnership and help ensure jetties can be maintained for future generations.

The campaign builds on findings from the LGA’s 2023 Value of Jetties report, which found jetties contribute more than $103 million to South Australia’s economy each year and support around 800 full-time jobs.

Mayor Houston said the community’s support will play an important role in strengthening the campaign.

“We’re encouraging our community to add their name to the pledge and help send a clear message about the importance of protecting our jetties,” he said.

“Jetties are a defining feature of South Australia’s coastline. Once they’re gone, they’re incredibly difficult—and costly—to replace.”

You can learn more about the campaign and sign the pledge by visiting: www.lga.sa.gov.au/jetties