Tumby Bay Foreshore Coastal Protection Project
Geosynthetic Sand Container (GSC) seawall
Project overview (updated 21 August 2026)
The Tumby Bay Foreshore Coastal Protection Project involves construction of approximately 167 metres of geosynthetic sand container (GSC) seawall along a priority section of the township foreshore between the Café precinct and the playground area.
The works will stabilise a section of coastline affected by ongoing erosion and deterioration of existing seawall infrastructure, helping to protect public assets, maintain safe community access and support the long term resilience of this important recreational and tourism area.
The project forms part of prioritised actions within Council’s Coastal Adaptation Strategy and builds on previous GSC coastal protection works already delivered within Tumby Bay.
As part of the project, new timber beach access stairs will be constructed near the café precinct to reinstate safe access to the foreshore. An existing end of life timber ramp at the northern corner of the playground area will be removed to enable construction of the new seawall.
Council has received an indicative construction program from the contractor, which provides a staged delivery schedule for the coastal protection works, subject to any weather related impacts.
Local contactor EP Civil and Earthmoving have been engaged to deliver these works and are
expected to commence on site from Monday 24 August 2026. Initial site activities are expected to include service locating, site establishment, establishment of a contractor site compound and installation of temporary fencing and signage.
Project Funding
Council has committed $700,000 in funding as part of its 2025/2026 capital works program to deliver GSC coastal protection works at the Tumby Bay foreshore location.
Council has also been offered $262,500 in grant funding support through the South Australian Coast Protection Board’s Coast Protection Grants Program, subject to execution of a formal funding agreement.
The Coast Protection Board’s annual grant program supports coastal councils to better manage and protect South Australia’s valuable coastal assets and respond to coastal hazard and climate change risks.
This project reflects a collaborative partnership between local and state government to implement priority coastal adaptation actions.
Project Scope
The coastal protection project is expected to include:
- Adjustments to existing irrigation systems
- Removal of sections of failed concrete seawall;
- Construction of approximately 167 metres of GSC coastal protection works;
- Integration with previously constructed GSC coastal protection infrastructure;
- Removal of the end of life timber beach access ramp at the northern corner of the playground area to enable construction of the seawall.
- Removal of the end of life timber beach access ramp at café to enable integration of the seawall with the existing vertical concrete wall in front of the playground
- Installation of new timber beach access stairs near the café
Timing
Completion is targeted for December 2026; however, in recognition of the risk of delays associated with coastal weather and environmental constraints, a contingency allowance has been incorporated. Accordingly, the latest anticipated completion date is March 2027.
Based on the current contractor construction program, works on site are expected to commence from late-July.
The indicative construction program currently includes:
Indicative Timing | What is expected to happen? | What this means for the public? |
Late July/Early August | Irrigation system adjustments | Works including trenching and repositioning of pipework will occur on the Tumby Bay foreshore area between café and public toilets – contractor work exclusions zone to be expected. |
Mid- August | Contractor mobilisation, service location, site establishment, temporary fencing | Fencing, signage and temporary access changes may start to be put into place. |
Late August 2026 to Late January 2027 | Demolition and construction activities to be undertaken in stages | Increased construction activity. Temporary beach and foreshore access restrictions will be in place during active works. Access to the face, jetty, playground and township facilities is expected to remain available. |
Late January 2027 | Site clean up and contractor demobilisation | Construction area progressively cleaned up and reopened, subject to final safety checks. |
January 2027 | Target project completion | Foreshore protection and access expected to improve following completion of works. |
December 2026 to March 2027 | Contingency window for weather, tide or coastal condition delays | Program may extend into this period if coastal conditions delay construction. |
The current program indicates practical completion of construction works by late November subject to weather, tides and coastal conditions and nay unforeseen site constraints. Council will continue to remain a contingency allowance through to March 2027 in the event of coastal construction delays.
Beach Access Changes and Improvements
As part of the GSC coastal protection works, three existing timber beach access ramps will be removed. One located near the café, one near the toilet block and one at the northern corner of the playground area (opposite the Seabreeze Hotel).
All ramps have reached the end of their service life due to coastal exposure and deterioration, and two have not been accessible for some time. The ramps are located within the footprint of the new GSC seawall works and will be removed to enable construction of the new seawall.
To support continued public access:
- new timber beach access stairs will be constructed near the café precinct as part of the GSC Seawall coastal protection project; and
- a separate project funded through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) will deliver new timber beach access ramp between the jetty to playground area.
Together, these works will improve overall access outcomes to the Tumby Bay foreshore.
Information on the other coastal access projects is available on the Council website.
- Tumby Bay Timber Beach Access Ramp (FRRR Funded) | Tumby Bay District Council
- Tumby Bay and Port Neill Beach Access | Tumby Bay District Council
Council Decisions and Project Approvals
At its meeting held on 9 December 2025, the District Council of Tumby Bay resolved to progress priority coastal protection works along a section of the Tumby Bay township foreshore.
Council endorsed construction of approximately 167 metres of geosynthetic sand container (GSC) seawall between the Café precinct and the playground area, including provision of new timber beach access stairs to support reinstatement of safe public access.
Council also authorised early procurement of key construction materials to assist in minimising potential project delivery delays and noted the offer of funding support from the South Australian Coast Protection Board.
The project has obtained all final statutory approvals and contractual arrangements are confirmed ready for commencement of construction.
Construction and Access
During construction:
- The beach between the jetty and the northern café precinct will be temporarily inaccessible during active works;
- Access to the café, jetty, playground and township facilities will remain available during works;
- Temporary site fencing and safety controls will be installed; and
- A contractor site compound is expected to be established within the nearby foreshore carparks.
Contractor mobilisation and site setup is expected to commence from Monday 24 August 2026.
The foreshore car parking area opposite the Seabreeze Hotel, between the playground and public toilets, will be used as the contractor site compound and laydown area during construction works.
Public parking will remain available in all other areas along Tumby Terrace.
For safety reasons, members of the public are asked not to enter active work areas on the foreshore or beach and to comply with all temporary fencing, signage and pedestrian directions. Site access restrictions will remain in place until completion of the works.
Project Documents and Updates
Council will provide ongoing updates regarding timing, progress and access arrangements.
The following documents about this project are provided below;
Additional project updates will be provided as construction activities progress.
If you require further information about this project, please contact the council office on 08 8688 2101 or via email to dctumby@tumbybay.sa.gov.au