Potential Interim Solution For Tumby Bay Jetty
Media Release
The District Council of Tumby Bay is commencing an interim solution to the closure of its much-loved Tumby Bay Jetty that, if successful, could see it temporarily reopened whilst residents decide its future.
The Tumby Bay jetty has been closed to the public since October 2022 when severe weather contributed to the unexpected failure of piles and crosshead members.
“Council continues to work very closely with the South Australian Government as well as Tumby Bay residents on a sustainable long-term solution to our jetty issue but at the same time, we have also been examining innovative options available to us for the temporary reopening of the jetty,” explained District Council of Tumby Bay mayor Geoff Churchett.
“The decision to close the jetty was a black and white one that we had no option but to implement. DIT’s approved maritime engineers, Walbridge Gilbert Aztec (WGA), advised that this was the appropriate course of action,” added Mr. Churchett.
“The engineer’s reports we received as well as the subsequent direction from SafeWork SA was that the jetty was to be immediately made off-limits for any use whatsoever, which we duly complied with,” said Mr. Churchett.
“Since then, Council has been assessing many options to safely reopen the jetty to everyday users such as our fishing enthusiasts, young people and tourists and we believe we may have found an affordable, interim solution.”
This week marine contractors Maritime Constructions, under the supervision of structural engineers from Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec (WGA), will undertake selective load testing of the jetty. While it is known from visual inspection that many components are significantly deteriorated, the intent of this testing will be to prove whether the actual load capacity remaining is sufficient to safely support renewed public access. If the load testing is successful, the implementation of further repairs to piles and timber crossheads is proposed to provide an interim solution to re-open approximately two thirds of the length of the jetty.
The ability to undertake this load testing and any subsequent works is possible through the generous contribution of Maritime Constructions to provide plant, equipment and labour at no cost to Council. WGA has also offered a significant reduction in their professional services fees associated with developing the scope of and certifying suitability the proposed works. While this does not guarantee the outcome, the Council expresses its appreciation to these two companies for their support of the Tumby Bay community in this issue.
If successful, it is expected that the works would render the jetty safe for ‘pedestrian’ use only up to, but excluding, the wider section at the end of the jetty. Access would be subject to several conditions including temporary closure during extreme weather events and an enhanced inspection and monitoring program. It is currently anticipated that access could be renewed for the next 12 to 18 months, dependent on the outcomes from the monitoring program.
The Council has committed up to $150,000 towards the purchase of materials and consumables for the works, with the outcome of the testing and potential repair works expected to be known in the next few weeks.
"The proposed approach doesn’t guarantee that we will get the jetty reopened, but it provides the best opportunity we have been able to generate since the closure was forced in 2022,” explained Mr. Churchett.
“The expert advice we have been given suggests that if initial load testing is successful we can implement some key structural fixes and have a good chance of getting approval from SafeWork SA and the SA Government for it to be temporarily reopened.”
“We are extremely grateful for the support of Maritime Constructions and WGA who have worked openly with Council to develop and implement a cost-effective option. The jetty means a lot to us and if we can deliver this short-term fix in a safe, effective and affordable way, it’s worth doing,” added Mr. Churchett.
For further information on the jetty updates go to www.tumbybay.sa.gov.au/community/recreation-and-tourism/jetties and for jetty condition inspection reports go to www.tumbybay.sa.gov.au/documents/jettyreports.