The Marshall Government will be releasing a tender for the development of a state-wide Jetties Strategic Plan, to explore options to develop a sustainable approach to the future management and prioritisation of investment for South Australian jetties.
The Strategic Plan will examine existing jetty infrastructure region by region, and develop a holistic long-term approach to managing our jetties that will:
- Assess the economic and community outcomes, benefits and usage of jetties;
- Deliver sustainable options for ongoing jetty management and maintenance;
- Guide future infrastructure investment decisions; and
- Channel funds to priority areas to maximise benefits to the community and business.
The State Government is responsible for 33 jetties throughout the State, which includes recreational, commercial and closed jetties.
There are a further 35 jetties that are divested to Councils via long term lease agreements that includes the requirement to maintain and repair these jetties to an acceptable standard.
"Jetties are such an important piece of infrastructure for a local community, especially regional communities," said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll.
"Jetties support recreational and commercial activities for locals, as well as attract tourists.
"It's these activities and tourism benefits that provides an economic boost for regional communities.
"In many cases a commercial or recreational jetty can be the lifeblood of a regional community.
"However, our jetties, particularly those in our regions, have been largely neglected by the former Labor government.
"That's why the Marshall Government is developing a Jetties Strategic Plan to ensure we have a plan for our jetties going forward.
"We want to assess the economic and community benefits, as well as usage of our jetties.
"It will assist us inunderstanding which jetties should be a priority for investment and guide future decisions including upgrades.
"The consultant will also be required to consult with key stakeholders including the local government sector, and key commercial and recreational fishing industry representatives.
"Given the overlap between councils and state government responsibility when it comes to jetties, we want to continue to work closely with the local government sector who represent their communities.
"Regional councils have been particularly vocal about this issue and they now have a state government that wants to work closely with them".
The Report is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
