Tumby Bay Jetty Update
There has been an important development with regards to our jetty that all residents need to be aware of.
We have been contacted by SafeWork SA with regards to further restricting access to our jetty. SafeWork SA is unsatisfied with the measures that are currently in place because these have been deemed insufficient in preventing access to the jetty structure, as was recently demonstrated on television.
As a result of this, SafeWork SA has instructed Council to tighten the restrictive measures to the entrance of the jetty, whilst we are now also directed to remove all ladders from the sides of the jetty. SafeWork SA operates as a business unit within the Attorney-General's Department and so its instructions carry the full weight of the law. Council has no say in the matter and penalties for failing to act on its instructions are severe. These include fines in excess of $500,000 which if served, will ultimately be paid by residents.
I remind all residents that the restrictions enforced by SafeWork SA are enforced by SAPOL, which, like Council, has been notified of this development and is also obligated under Australian law to act on SafeWork SA’s orders.
There is no room for debate on whether the jetty is safe or not. Engineers from a variety of independent third parties have concluded that it is NOT safe and will continue to deteriorate until it is repaired or replaced. Please keep away from the jetty, not only to keep yourself and/or your children safe, but to do your part in assisting Council to negotiate a solution with the State Government. Ignoring the law will ultimately do us no favours as a community.
Works to address SafeWork SA’s concerns will be undertaken by an appropriately qualified contractor and commence on Tuesday 20 February 2024.
Rebecca Hayes, CEO
For more information about our jetties go to www.tumbybay.sa.gov.au/community/recreation-and-tourism/jetties or www.tumbybay.sa.gov.au/documents/jettyreports