13 March 2024

Council is seeking ratepayer input regarding the establishment of a levy component (Levy) to fund the Tumby Bay and Port Neill jetties.

A council may declare a general rate* or a separate rate on rateable land within the area of the council for the purpose of carrying out, maintaining or improving an activity that is, or is intended to be, of particular benefit to the land, or the occupiers of the land, or to visitors to the area. Either a general rate or separate rate will achieve a similar outcome and is, for the purposes of this consultation, referred to as a Levy.

Consultation

It is important that ratepayers in the District Council of Tumby Bay, are given an opportunity to indicate if they are willing to pay a Levy component equivalent to a between 10% and 15% increase in general rates to reinstate the Tumby Bay jetty (Project) and provide maintenance to both the Tumby Bay jetty and Port Neill jetty (Jetties) ongoing. If accepted, the Levy would be added to the rates on top of the current rates and charges.

Please note that there is no ‘opt in’ or ‘opt out’ scenario; if the Tumby Bay jetty is to be reinstated, and both Jetties maintained to the requisite standard into the future then every ratepayer will be making a considerable financial contribution toward the Jetties, for both the annual operational costs (for the ongoing maintenance of the Jetties) and the repayment of any loan funds required to fund the Project.

Council anticipates that the expenditure required to reopen and maintain the Tumby Bay jetty is of a level that could impact on the capacity of the Council to fund other key services and assets in the future without further general rate increases. The indicative Project values for the options that have been considered by Council are significant both in immediate capital cost and in long term lifecycle costs for the Jetties.

We assure you that ‘no stone has been left unturned’ and the endeavours to find a long-term and financially sustainable solution for our community is supported by robust research, modelling, and analysis.

There has been significant public and media interest in the Jetties from the closure of the Tumby Bay jetty, and now is the time for you to make an important contribution towards Council’s decision-making process.

Survey

Council has authorised a survey to be sent to each owner of each rateable property within the Council area. Due to the significant rate increase required, each rateable property is entitled to one (1) survey response.

Ratepayers are being asked to consider whether they support Council applying a Levy component for the Jetties. Where a ratepayer has answered YES to the initial question, they are asked to identify which option, with respect to the replacement or refurbishment of the Tumby Bay Jetty, they support. Only ONE option should be checked.

The survey form must be returned to Council prior to 28 March 2024. This will enable the responses to be considered by Council at its 4 April 2024 meeting and for the outcome of the survey to be included in Council’s Long Term Financial Plan and Annual Business Plan that will then be released for further public consultation.

Drop-in session

Mayor Geoff Churchett will be available to answer your questions about the Jetties, and any other matters of interest to you, at a “Conversations with the Mayor” public drop-in session at the Council Chambers on Wednesday 20 March 2024. We invite you to attend anytime between 3pm and 5pm. (Please be aware that discussions held at this session will be taken into consideration when a final decision is to be made, however, responses to the survey must be submitted on the official form).

FAQs and costs associated with options

Should you wish to understand the costs associated with the options being considered by ratepayers in the survey please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions below:

• Tumby Bay & Port Neill Jetties - Frequently Asked Questions

*Council programs and services in South Australia are funded predominately by council rates. Council rates are a form of property tax, not a fee for service. The Council receives very limited revenue from other income sources (such as grants), as such, rates are the only mechanism to raise the additional capital required to fund the Project.

Media Release - Tumby Bay Jetty Update - Progress Association Contributes $75,000 Towards Council's Interim Solution

18 April 2024

The Tumby Bay Progress Association has contributed $75,000 to the District Council of Tumby Bay’s interim solution to reopening the Tumby Bay jetty.

“This is an opportunity for the Progress Association to demonstrate to the State Government that the Tumby Bay community cares for our Jetty and is willing to put money towards Council’s interim solution that will see it open again,” said Progress Association President, Mr. Dion LeBrun.

“We understand that this is not a long-term solution, but this is a chance to have our jetty accessible to our community and visitors, whilst a long-term solution is found” explained Mr LeBrun.

Tumby Bay mayor Geoff Churchett thanked the Progress for its support and commitment to a solution.

“This is a fantastic gesture that reflects our community spirit and we are very grateful for it,” said Mr. Geoff Churchett.

“The Tumby Bay Progress Association is an integral part of our community and the leadership they are showing here is testament to the people involved and the importance of our Jetty to our residents and visitors” added Mr. Churchett.

Load testing of the jetty was successfully undertaken by marine contractors Maritime Constructions in early April. The supervising engineer from Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec (WGA) has now approved moving to the next stage of proposed works, which will include driving approximately 18 new piles and installing an expected 6 new cross heads and associated bearer supports.

Materials procurement for this work has begun and it is currently anticipated that works will be completed in May.  While there are still risks in the delivery of this project that could impact on the final outcome, Council is optimistic that once these works have been completed the jetty will reopen for public access.

“This is an amazing partnership between the community and Council.  The ability to undertake this load testing and any subsequent works has been made possible through the generous contribution of Maritime Constructions which is providing plant, equipment and labour at no cost to Council whilst WGA has offered a significant reduction in their professional services fees. The contribution from the Progress Association adds significant value to this initiative, explained Mr. Churchett.

“Progress will also be developing a platform to allow the community and local businesses to financially contribute towards the interim repair works to our jetty.’ said Mr LeBrun.

“We know that there are many in the community who actively want to contribute to their beloved jetty, and Progress is going to provide the means to demonstrate this through active fundraising,” added Mr LeBrun.

Council remains committed to finding a solution that will see Tumby Bay with a fit-for-purpose jetty again, at the lowest possible cost, and in the most sustainable manner possible.

Media Release - Potential Interim Solution for Tumby Bay Jetty

3 April 2024

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.

Tumby Bay Jetty Update

22 March 2024

As was announced in last weekend’s The Advertiser, the State Government has pledged $2.4m towards a solution for the repair or replacement of our jetty. We welcome this commitment as it follows extensive negotiations on our part and most importantly, the extent of the government’s commitment is significantly more than any other council has managed to secure.  There are many fists banging on the government’s door as far as jetty disrepair is concerned so to get this response is testimony to the effort Council is putting in on behalf of our community.

It's important to note that the offer from the Government is subject to further negotiation and a list of conditions notwithstanding:

• We need to match Government’s commitment on a dollar-for-dollar basis;
• We must accept the financial risk of any additional costs associated with the repair;
• We bear full responsibility for all aspects of the delivery of the project; and
• We have to enter into a minimum 15-year lease with full responsibility for the care, control and maintenance of the jetty, which implies further financial resource.

Most importantly, as significant as Government’s pledge is, the most up to date and comprehensive estimates Council has been provided indicates total costs over 15 years of approximately $12.55M (2025$), of which the funding offer represents less than 20%.

Council remains committed to finding a solution that will see Tumby Bay with a fit-for-purpose jetty again, at the lowest possible cost, and in the most sustainable manner possible. There is clearly no solution to this matter that will not involve some sort of special ratepayer levy. Government has repeatedly stated that it cannot exclusively fund the repair or replacement of all the jetties along the length of our coastline that are in a similar or worse state than ours.

To test our community’s willingness and capacity for a long-term special levy, we last week launched a survey of all ratepayers asking them to provide an opinion on this matter.  The figures quoted in the three options listed in the survey were indicative only and the results will help guide our next steps.

I want to reiterate that the Council is leaving no stone unturned.

We will keep you updated.

Mayor Geoff Churchett

Tumby Bay Jetty Update

19 February 2024

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

Tumby Bay Jetty Update

6 February 2024

This past weekend saw significant publicity on the issue of jetty repairs across our entire state and our community jetty certainly received its fair share of media attention.

It’s important for all Tumby Bay residents and visitors to note that SafeWork SA completed its assessment of our jetty in July 2023 and issued an official closure until further notice. This effectively means that it’s a police matter and SAPOL can act against anyone who contravenes the closure notice. We all want our jetty back and Council is working closely with the State Government on a sustainable solution. In the meantime, let’s all put safety first, respect law and order and let this process take its course.

Last Tuesday evening at our Council meeting, attended by local residents, costs to rebuild/refurbish our jetty were tabled (refer to Tumby Bay Jetty Options Investigations Presentation and Inspection Report below) along with preliminary estimates for works to combat long-term coastal erosion. These costs are significant, but we remain hopeful that the situation can be remedied.

• Tumby Bay Jetty Options Investigations - Presentation (this should be read in conjunction with the Inspection Report)
• Tumby Bay Jetty WSCAM Assessment Inspection Report, 27 February 2024

The article in the Sunday Mail on the weekend, which included the results of the outcome of the Value of Jetties report, echoed what we all know to be true, i.e. that our community jetty, like many others, is a valuable social and economic asset for the State and a fair, workable and speedy solution must be sought that works for all stakeholders. For our community, that includes managing current and future financial commitments within the capacity of the ratepayer base.

• Value of Jetties in South Australia report
• Summary of the Value of Jetties in South Australia report

The deterioration of our jetty is a legacy issue but elected members and staff remain committed to doing everything in our power to deliver a solution to this complex issue that means so much to us all as citizens of Tumby Bay.

Members of the public are most welcome to attend council meetings on this matter and we will continue to keep you informed.

Mayor Geoff Churchett

Tumby Bay Jetty Update

10 January 2024

I am pleased to offer a further update on our community jetty following the last update on November 21, 2023. We are in the process of developing a timeline for community consultation, having continued to work with the State Government to obtain all of the information we need to allow us all to make an informed decision about the future of our jetty.

Over the years, the Council has sought the State Government's assistance in refurbishing the jetty. Simultaneously, the State Government initiated the Tumby Bay Jetty Business Case to assess costs and explore options. Officers from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) recommended Council wait for the Business Case outcomes before commencing works.

As this process was unfolding, unexpected and severe storm damage led to the jetty's closure. The Council engaged its consultant to review the Business Case, who recommended that replacing the jetty is the only sustainable option. This aligns with the State Government's Business Case, emphasizing a sustainable, long-term solution that is in the community's best interest from a social, recreational and tourism perspective.

A short-term fix, applying similar funds, has been deemed unsuitable given the risk of further structural failures when the next big storm hits. All indications are pointing to a long-term, sustainable solution, that will make our much-loved jetty accessible again for current and future generations.

Elected members are exploring various options to share with the community, including an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the State Government's SA Jetties Renewals Program which makes the nominal total of $10m available for the refurbishment of jetties across all of South Australia.

It is crucial to note that this is just one of several options under consideration.

The EOI process serves as a starting point for the way forward, recognizing that the financial contribution from State Government towards the refurbishment or replacement of our jetty is unknown, and ratepayers will be expected to contribute.   All indications thus far, are that the State Government will not be paying for the refurbishment of our jetty, as well as all of the other jetties across South Australia that require similar refurbishment or replacement.  We are one of many communities seeking similar support for which funding is simply not available.

By the end of January, the Council expects to receive feedback from the State Government on the EOI, paving the way for continued discussions with the DIT.

Council is aiming to finalize options and assess their impact on the Long-Term Financial Plan and its capacity for long-term loan borrowing recognizing that loan repayments and ongoing maintenance of a new jetty will very likely need to be funded by ratepayers.   As a collective, we can then make an informed decision about what is best for us as a community.

Council hopes to be able to share with the community the options we have with regards to the jetty and Tumby Bay foreshore in February.

Background Information:

Structural Assessment: A pile failure, rated level 4 under WASCAM, raised stability concerns, with 26 similar piles categorized as level 7 (end of life) in a subsequent assessment.

Safety Measures: Engineers recommended jetty closure based on stability concerns, supported by SafeWorkSA's prohibition order for public safety.

Refurbishment Challenges: Reopening the jetty requires substantial refurbishment exceeding current capacity. Fixing one component won't suffice.

Elected members unanimously agreed to participate in the EOI process, noting that any works will follow DIT's 2-stage process due to estimated project cost, requiring a substantial financial contribution from the Council.

Mayor Geoff Churchett

Tumby Bay Jetty Update

21 November 2023

We want to share an important update about the SA Jetties Renewals Program (Program) that directly impacts our Tumby Bay jetty. On October 25, 2023, the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) reached out to the Council, initiating an opportunity to address critical works on our jetty.

The Program, funded through the 2023-2024 State Budget with an allocation of $10 million to $20 million over four years, aims to support local councils in revitalizing jetties for the benefit of our communities. This funding focuses on restoring and ensuring continued public access to jetties, recognizing their significant economic, social, and environmental contributions.

As part of the Program, our Council can apply for funding through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for projects on State owned, Council managed jetties. The application process involves one or two stages based on project cost:

• Stage 1 Application: For projects with a total cost estimated at less than $1.0 million, a Stage 1 application can be submitted for funding assistance without the need for a Stage 2 application. For projects exceeding $1.0 million, a Stage 1 application initiates a preliminary appraisal and, if shortlisted, proceeds to Stage 2.

• Stage 2 Application: By invitation only, the Council can submit a detailed application for assessment and funding assistance by DIT.

In response to this opportunity, our Council has taken swift action. On October 17, 2023 elected members had already allocated up to $50,000 for further investigations on options for the Tumby Bay Jetty, positioning ourselves well to meet DIT’s Stage 1 deadline of December 15, 2023.

During their meeting on November 14, 2023 elected members considered participating in the EOI process and unanimously agreed to proceed with an application. It's important to note that any works on the Tumby Bay jetty will fall within DIT’s 2 stage process due to the estimated project cost. It is also expected that a substantial financial contribution will be required from the Council to support any successful application.

While this funding program presents an opportunity to progress, we'd like to acknowledge the complexity of the issue and the due diligence required. Council staff have met with DIT, expressing our intent to submit an EOI.

DIT anticipates responding to shortlisted EOIs with an invitation for Stage 2 participation in the first quarter of 2024.

We appreciate the strong interest of the community to better understand the options and their implications for the jetty and are actively determining our timeline for community consultation. The Council is continuing to seek clarity on several uncertainties that make it difficult to answer many of the questions you may have. Delays experienced with DIT have been a challenge, and we ask for your patience as our elected members and staff navigate the intricacies of this matter.

The jetty holds immense importance to our community, and we assure you that we are committed to addressing this matter diligently. Your continued support and understanding are greatly appreciated as we work through the details.

Rebecca Hayes, CEO

Update on Tumby Bay Jetty Closure and Refurbishment Efforts

4 October 2023

As many of you are aware, it has been a year since storm damage led to the closure of the Tumby Bay jetty to the public. We wanted to provide you with an update on the situation and address some important points:

Structural Assessment: The unexpected failure of a pile, categorized as level 4 under the Wharf Structures Condition Assessment Manual (WASCAM), raised concerns about the stability of the jetty. A subsequent assessment reclassified approximately 26 similar concrete wrapped piles as level 7 (end of life).

Safety Measures: Based on these findings, engineers recommended the closure of the jetty to public access. This decision has been supported by SafeWorkSA, who have issued a prohibition order to further ensure public safety.

Refurbishment Challenges: Any efforts to reopen the jetty would necessitate significant refurbishment of multiple components. Unfortunately, the required expenditure exceeds our current capacity. Simply fixing the one failed component will not allow for the jetty's reopening.

Funding Allocation for Port Neill Jetty: There have been allegations regarding the allocation of grant money for the Port Neill jetty instead of the Tumby Bay jetty. It's important to clarify that a deliberative vote took place, and both the Councillors from Tumby Bay and Port Neill agreed that the funds should be directed towards the Port Neill jetty.

Casting Vote Clarification: The Mayor has a casting vote, which is used only to break a tie in a deliberative body. In this instance, the Mayor did not exercise his vote, as both Councillors reached an agreement regarding the allocation of funds.

Misinformation and Community Understanding: We understand that there may be misinformation circulating. We believe it's crucial for the community to grasp the complexities surrounding the jetty's refurbishment and the intricate process of finding a solution. Our staff and elected members are committed to this matter daily.

Engagement with Experts: The Council is actively engaging with the State Government and maritime experts to develop a comprehensive plan and secure financing for the necessary works on the jetty.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work towards a safe and sustainable solution for the Tumby Bay jetty. Your safety and the long-term viability of this structure remain our top priorities.

Rebecca Hayes, CEO

Jetty Update

7 September 2023

I am pleased to provide an update on the Tumby Bay Jetty and Council’s considerations to date.

The State Government committed $20 million in funding for council leased jetties as part of its 2023 Budget. This money has been allocated from two sources; firstly, $10 million from the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) and secondly, $10 million from the Office of Local Government (OLG). This approach surprised all of us and DIT and OLG have been working together to determine funding guidelines and application processes. We understand this should be available to councils soon.

Funding will be available to ALL councils with a jetty.

It is expected that Council will need to match funds (ratio unknown) provided to undertake refurbishment/replacement of the jetty. It is anticipated that Council's commitment will be substantial.

Elected Members recently considered the draft Tumby Bay Jetty Business Plan (the Plan). The Plan has been provided to the Council by the DIT on a confidential basis at this time.

Details of the Plan cannot be shared, suffice to say that the cost of refurbishing or replacing the jetty is significant and Councillors will be working, with staff, on identifying options.

As previously advised, any option must be fiscally responsible and costed over a 30-50 year life span. This includes the effect on Council’s budget from maintenance costs, depreciation and any loan repayments. Council is mindful that costs of a jetty refurbishment will impact generations to come and must therefore approach this matter in an objective and measured way.

Additionally, the Local Government Act 1999 requires the Council to undertake a Prudential Report prior to engaging in any project where the expected operating expenses calculated on an accrual basis of the council over the ensuing five years is likely to exceed 20 per cent of the council's average annual operating expenses over the previous five financial years (as shown in the council's financial statements); or where the expected capital cost of the project over the ensuing five years is likely to exceed $4,000,000 (indexed); or where the council considers that it is necessary or appropriate.

This is a complex issue, requiring the input of multiple parties. The process will take time and whilst we understand that many feel it is already protracted, this does not demonstrate an absence of action. On the contrary, Council continues to work with DIT to carefully consider and cost options prior to releasing these to the public for consideration. It should be noted that whilst some people flag options that are made from lighter construction, that the jetty is a State asset and is located in State waters. Any refurbishment or replacement will need to be approved and completed to a standard acceptable to DIT.

As I have stated previously, Council has an excellent working relationship with DIT including its CEO, executive team and at officer level. We continue to proactively engage with them on this matter and they are optimistic about the future. The Tumby Bay Jetty Business Case, whilst prepared on behalf of DIT, does provide Council with a level of understanding and information that will assist in future deliberations.

In the words of Oscar Wilde:

If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well. If it is worth having, it is worth waiting for. If it is worth attaining, it is worth fighting for. If it is worth experiencing, it is worth putting aside time for.

Rebecca Hayes, CEO

Jetty Update

16 June 2023

The District Council of Tumby Bay has welcomed the State Government’s $20 million in funding for Council leased jetties announced in its budget on 15 June.

The Council is committed to maintaining jetties within our district, however, $5 million each year over four years is simply not enough to undertake the extensive work required on these state-owned assets.

In October 2021, the Council wrote to the former Premier, Steven Marshall, requesting a co-contribution to commence much needed works on the Tumby Bay jetty. Since then, both Liberal and Labor Governments, have been working on a pilot business case for five jetties, Tumby Bay being one of those five.

The Council has not been provided with a copy of the pilot business case and has called on the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to make this available and to commence open conversations with the Council and our community.

Council had hoped this budget would provide direct funding to the jetties involved in the pilot program, in particular Tumby Bay. Whilst awaiting the outcome of the government’s pilot program, the Tumby Bay jetty has continued to deteriorate and remains closed. At the same time, the cost of undertaking works in a marine environment has increased significantly, and Council has has been placed in a lose-lose situation.

Council has maintenance obligations under lease arrangement with the State, however, the structural integrity of the Tumby Bay jetty is at risk and the State Government, as owner, needs to take some responsibility. Regional councils are not in the position to fund major refurbishment or replacement of assets that they don’t own.

The District Council of Tumby Bay has a general rate revenue of $5.9 million, therefore does not have discretion to fund significant jetty infrastructure projects.

Mayor Churchett reassures the community that the Council continues to advocate and achieve a solution for the Tumby Bay jetty.

The Council is aware that both of our jetties are of high importance to the community, and our current aim is to have both returned to a condition that guarantees their future useability.

Jetty Update

31 May 2023

The chief executive officers (CEO) of the five councils that lease the jetties that are the subject of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) pilot business case project (Kingston South East, Tumby Bay, Port Germein, Edithburgh and Rapid Bay) met with DIT CEO Jon Whelan on 25 May to discuss the progress of the business case documents that are with Minister Koutsantonis for consideration.

This is not unusual practice and the five council CEOs felt it timely to add further pressure to the state government.

Mr Whelan confirmed that they are awaiting announcements linked to the Budget which is due to be handed down by the Treasurer on 15 June 2023. Whilst Mr Whelan was unable to share details of the budget with CEO’s he did acknowledge the shared responsibility attached to these assets. Notwithstanding, Mr Whelan also expressed that Councils will be expected to contribute to any works carried out on jetties they lease.

It was confirmed that DIT will be engaging directly with the District Council of Tumby Bay about the draft business case and next steps, however, no definitive timeline was provided.

Jetty Update

15 May 2023

Mayor Churchett and CEO, Rebecca Hayes, met with the CEO of Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), Jon Whelan, along with DIT Executive Directors Andy Excel and Emma Kokar and Director James Buder, on 13 April 2023.

Discussion focused on the Tumby Bay Jetty Business Case prepared by DIT and the Minister’s position now that he has received the Business Case and had an opportunity to consider its detail.

Mr Whelan indicated that the Minister is keen to continue discussions with Council as a priority to work through the Business Case and subsequently commence broader consultation (including public consultation).

To date, information provided to Council by DIT regarding the Business Case has been scant making it difficult for Council to plan/prepare for the future and keep our community informed.

DIT have indicated that initial discussion with elected members will be on a confidential basis. It is anticipated these meetings will focus on ownership / leasehold arrangements, ongoing maintenance obligations and costs, and financial contributions.

Council will need to consider and model the impact of these arrangements on the ratepayers so that clear information can be provided as part of the public consultation process.

Once DIT and Council have come to an agreement on the proposals developed, we will commence joint public consultation.

There are five jetties being considered by the Minister as part of DIT’s Jetty Business Case Process.

CEO Rebecca Hayes, along with the CEOs of the District Council of Mount Remarkable, Kingston District Council, District Council of Yankalilla and Yorke Peninsula Council, being the lessees of the other 4 jetties, are meeting with DIT CEO, Jon Whelan, on 25 May 2023, to further discussions around the proposed meetings and to continue to apply pressure on the department to ‘get the ball rolling’.

Elected members are aware of the impact the jetty closure is having on our community and tourism businesses. They continue to advocate at all opportunities.

Fundraising

Council understands the desire of community members to assist in repairing the jetty through fundraising.

However, Council recommends this is commenced through appropriate channels once a clear understanding of the costs and obligations involved in the jetty’s repair is understood.

By approaching it in a strategic and structured manner we can ensure the most robust and successful scheme is implemented.

Rebecca Hayes, CEO

Letter to Minister Koutsantonis

6 February 2023

On Monday 6 February 2023 Mayor, Geoff Churchett, District Council of Tumby Bay sent a letter to the Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, Minister for Infrastruture and Transport regarding the opportunity for State and Local government to work together to jointly fund a signficiant refurbishment of the existing Tumby Bay jetty structure for the benefit of the community and tourism to the Eyre Peninsula. This letter is included below for your information.

• Letter to Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP

The Council received a response acknowledging receipt from the Minister's Office.

Jetty Update - Decision of Council

24 November 2022

A Special Meeting of Council was held on 23 November 2022, to consider representations made by the Tumby Bay Jetty Group and members of the community with respect to the re-opening of the Tumby Bay Jetty (jetty).

A short-term fix of the jetty to allow it to be opened to the public at the earliest opportunity was discussed.

The Council agreed that this option was worthy of further consideration and requested the CEO to appoint Tonkin Consulting to prepare a scope of works that addresses both the full remediation and partial remediation options outlined in the most recent WGA report, prepared following the closure of the jetty.

The scope of works will be for the remediation out to Bent 30, which allows use of the swimming platform and provides limited fishing and squiding.

Tonkin Consulting, in conjunction with the Council, will run a select tender process for the identified works which will inform Council further and assist with their decision making.

Council had previously allocated funding under Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI Program) towards the remediation of the Tumby Bay and Port Neill jetties.

Due to the requirement under the LRCI Program to complete constructions by 30 June 2023, Council has allocated Phase 3 funding to the Port Neill jetty remediation.

Remediation of the Port Neill jetty will deliver considerable medium-term benefits and, in turn, permit Council to turn their minds wholly to the issues affecting the Tumby Bay jetty.

This decision will allow Council to allocate the LCRI Program Phase 3A funding, subject to tender costing, to the Tumby Bay jetty along with the money held in the Council’s jetty reserve fund.

Due to consultant availability and the Christmas period, it is not possible to scope and tender works for the Tumby Bay jetty to meet the LCRI Program Phase 3 time constraints.

The Council continues to work productively with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) on options to refurbish or replace the Tumby Bay jetty. The Council is focused on the long-term community benefit of the Jetty and will work proactively to ensure Tumby Bay has a jetty for future generations.

Mayor Geoff Churchett

Tumby Bay Jetty Closure

4 October 2022

On Tuesday 4 October 2022 Tumby Bay experienced strong east and northeast winds, which generated significant swell into the bay with impact on the jetty. Combined swell and wind waves were reported as reaching up to 3m in height. It was identified that one of the concrete encased piles on the Tumby Bay jetty had been damaged and had dropped, in the process breaking the spliced crosshead attached to it. The jetty is now closed to the public.

A formal structural assessment and repair recommendations report has been completed by Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec which can be accessed at the Jetty Condition Inspection Reports page on the Council website.

Port Neill Jetty to Reopen Following Extensive Remediation

26 October 2023

The District Council of Tumby Bay is thrilled to announce the upcoming reopening of the Port Neill Jetty on Saturday 28 October 2023 following a comprehensive remediation project.

The remediation works, initiated in May 2023, aimed to address the deteriorating structural components of the jetty, which were found to be in a more critical state than initially anticipated at the project's outset. As sections of decking were removed and the underlying structure was exposed, contractors uncovered extensive rotting of bearers, corrosion of critical connections, and evidence of white ant activity. The severity of the situation led to a temporary halt in work in early June to allow for a reevaluation of the repair requirements.

Late July 2023 marked the resumption of the project after additional materials and construction equipment became available. The Council acknowledges that the endeavor required a significant financial commitment, with the Council contributing $1.35 million to the project. However, a further investment of at least $750,000 is expected to be needed to complete the full remediation of this cherished asset.

The Council, which currently leases the Port Neill jetty from the State Government, remains dedicated to preserving this valuable community resource. Yet, with other pressing financial priorities on our horizon, including the repair of the Tumby Bay foreshore and finding solutions for the Tumby Bay jetty, it was not feasible to allocate additional funding to the Port Neill jetty at this time.

Mayor Churchett has emphasised the Council's intention to explore alternative funding sources in the coming 2-3 years to cover the remaining remediation works. He has stated, "Jetties are not only assets for our local community but also for all South Australians. The Council is committed to seeking a sustainable and equitable funding arrangement to ensure the preservation of these beloved structures for the enjoyment of all. It is our belief that the burden of maintaining such valuable assets should not fall solely upon small, regional Councils."

The reopening of the Port Neill Jetty from 28 October 2023 represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to maintain and rejuvenate valued coastal landmarks for the benefit of the entire community.

The District Council of Tumby Bay has received advice from contractors Maritime Constructions of further delays in the supply of timber needed for repair works to the Port Neill jetty. While it was originally hoped that repair works could potentially commence from late July, delays the delivery of timber to site means that work is now not expected to commence until later in August. The Council is aware that the ongoing closure inconveniences both locals and tourists seeking to enjoy use of the jetty and wishes to reassure that efforts are being made to recommence work as soon as possible.

The District Council of Tumby Bay and contractors Maritime Constructions have agreed to a revised scope of works to repair the Port Neill jetty, after the deterioration of timber structural components was found to be much more severe than anticipated when work commenced in May 2023. Work was forced to cease in early June, to allow further assessment of the structure and to redefine the repair requirements. It is not expected that works will be able to fully recommence earlier than late July, when additional materials and construction equipment will be delivered to site to allow a larger program of replacement works.

The Council has allocated an additional $600,000 towards the jetty remediation project but acknowledges that this won’t achieve the recommended extent of repairs. “The Council has made a significant commitment totalling $1.35 million towards the retention of the Port Neill jetty, which we currently lease from the State Government,” said Mayor Geoff Churchett. “Unfortunately, this still falls short of the $1.8 to $1.9 million estimated costs to complete the full remediation of this asset. With several other high priority expenses looming, including the need to repair damage to the Tumby Bay foreshore and to obtain a solution to allow the reopening of the Tumby Bay jetty, the Council was unable to justify additional investment into this one project.”

The financial shortfall means there is an expectation that another significant funding allocation will be needed in the next 2-3 years to complete the remaining works, and Mayor Churchett has indicated the Council’s intent to continue to pursue alternative funding sources. “While recognising that funding is tight for all levels of government, the Council believes that jetties are an asset for all South Australians and will continue to seek a sustainable and equitable funding arrangement to ensure their retention for all to enjoy. We consider it to be an unfair burden on small, regional Councils to bear the full cost of these expensive assets.”

With works expected to take more than two months to complete, the Port Neill jetty is currently expected to remain closed until at least early October 2023.

Updated Notice - Port Neill Jetty Temporary Closure

1 June 2023

The District Council of Tumby Bay has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining jetties through an increased budget allocation for remediation works currently in progress at the Port Neill jetty.

At a Special Council Meeting held on Wednesday 31 May 2023, Council received an update on the progress of works, including the discovery that substantially more repair work is required than was originally expected.

Council was advised that extensive rotting of bearers and corrosion of critical connections became visible as sections of decking were removed and the underlying structure was exposed.

Evidence of white ant activity was discovered, and many additional structural members were identified for replacement.

Repair work will temporarily stop to allow marine structural engineers to reassess the structure now that previously hidden components are visible for inspection.

Although the expected increase in total project cost will not be finalised until after the inspection, Council has approved up to an additional $600,000 budget expenditure to ensure that the original project objective to extend the life of the structure is achieved.

While it is unfortunate that the project costs have increased, this was a known risk given the age and nature of the jetty and the type of works being conducted.

We have approached the Department of Infrastructure and Transport seeking financial assistance for the additional repairs, but they are unable to contribute at this time.

Mayor Churchett reassures the community that the additional allocation to the Port Neill jetty was not made at the expense of the Council’s ability to contribute to a future solution for the Tumby Bay jetty.

The Council is aware that both of our jetties are of high importance to the community, and our current aim is to have both reinstated to a condition that guarantees their future usability.

Although the current commitment to Port Neill jetty is expected to deplete the Council’s jetty specific cash reserves, the Council retains the ability to contribute from other cash reserves, loan borrowings and grant funding to partner with the State Government on a long-term solution for the Tumby Bay jetty.

The increase to the scope of work on the Port Neill jetty will extend the period of jetty closure beyond the advertised date of 30 June, and additional information on the likely reopening date will be advertised when confirmed.

Advance Notice - Port Neill Jetty Temporary Closure

31 March 2023

The Port Neill jetty will be temporarily closed for maintenance works across May and June 2023. Council contractor Maritime Constructions will be undertaking works including the driving of new steel piles and the replacement of various timber components across this period. Maritime Constructions will also be establishing a temporary site compound in the bitumen carpark near the jetty and public access will be restricted around this office and the project laydown area throughout the construction period. While works are underway there will be significant movement of mobile plant and equipment in the foreshore and jetty area, and users of the foreshore are asked to remain aware of the activity and to comply with all signed and fenced restricted areas.

Exact timing of the work remains subject to weather conditions and material supplies, however, the following periods of complete closure of the jetty are currently expected:

• Approx 5 days closure in early May to allow the driving of 5 new piles.
• Approx 5 weeks closure from late May to late June to allow the replacement of timber components.

As dates become more certain the Council will provide updates on the exact commencement of works.

The Council thanks jetty users for their understanding of this closure to allow essential maintenance works to occur.