Historic Port Elliot jetty to remain closed while storm damage is fixed

The Port Elliot jetty at Horseshoe Bay will remain closed for several more months due to significant structural issues.    

The historic 1852 jetty has been closed since it was damaged in a storm in early February.

The storm caused a small pile attached to the bottom of the jetty’s stairs to dislodge.

It was initially thought the damage was minimal, but an inspection has revealed “significant structural loss” to other piles and bracing supporting the jetty.

The jetty is owned by the state government but leased by the Alexandrina Council, which is financially responsible for repairs and maintenance.

“It started off with a pole hanging off a step,” Alexandrina Council chief executive Nigel Morris said.

It was first thought only the area around the jetty’s stairs would need to be repaired, but an initial inspection found further areas of concern. 

A full engineering assessment has now been carried out on the structure.

Jetty popular with tourists

Mr Morris said repairs would cost an estimated $150,000 and some further minor maintenance, costing $100,000, would also be carried out while the jetty was closed.

He said the council would allocate $230,000 in the proposed 2023/24 budget for repairs, which would likely begin early in the new financial year.

The iconic jetty is popular with visitors to the holiday destination and features heavily on social media.

Mr Morris said the council would treat the matter as a priority to ensure the jetty reopened before the busy summer and tourist season, but the work and current closure was necessary.

“Safety is more important than Instagram photos,” he said.