Port Noarlunga jetty reopened following storm repairs

Port Noarlunga’s much-loved jetty has reopened to the community today following repairs to damage caused by storms in late May 2025.

The 1921-built jetty sustained damage to its decking boards, handrail, kickboards, girders and cross beams during the wild surf, winds and tides, with the City of Onkaparinga closing it on 27 May to ensure public safety.

Engineering inspections, the contracting of specialist contractors and the procurement of suitable hardwood followed, with the vital restoration works then carefully planned and safely implemented around the volatile winter conditions.

The State Member for Kaurna, Chris Picton MP, said today’s reopening of the jetty was “fantastic news” for the Port Noarlunga shoreline.

“I’m really excited that our much-loved local jetty has been fixed and will continue to be enjoyed by the community for years to come,” he said.

“A lot of hard work has gone into making sure the jetty was reopened before the warmer months, and I’m grateful to the City of Onkaparinga, Department for Transport and Infrastructure, Mayor Moira Were and Minister Tom Koutsantonis for making this happen.”

City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Lauren Jew thanked the community for their patience and understanding during the complex repair process.

“Closing an iconic destination like the Port Noarlunga jetty is always a last resort, but these repairs were paramount to ensure it remains a place for locals and visitors to create precious memories for many years to come,” she said.

The total cost of the repair works associated with storm-related damage is estimated at $275,000, covering materials, labour and engineering services.

Port Noarlunga jetty is a state government asset leased to the City of Onkaparinga, and under the lease agreement the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is responsible for covering the costs of major repairs resulting from storm events.

The council contributes the initial $10,000 toward such repairs, indexed from the date of the lease agreement, now amounting to approximately $18,000, with the remainder of the cost funded by DIT.

Separate to the storm damage repairs, Council is also planning additional jetty works consisting of upgrades to a number of timber pylons and associated structural components, as listed below. This work is scheduled to take place in early 2026 outside of the peak summer period to minimise disruption.

There may be temporary restrictions and/or closures to the public along sections of the jetty while these works are taking place.

These works were identified after an above and below-water inspection of the jetty revealed deterioration in 2024.

We thank the community for its patience and continued interest.

The Port Noarlunga Jetty is a much-loved community asset and to ensure its safety and longevity, we will be undertaking upgrades in the 2025-26 financial year.

Every effort will be made to avoid all peak usage seasons of the jetty and stakeholders will be informed of detailed construction time frames once they are confirmed.

We will advise of any access restrictions during construction, and attempt to minimise any inconvience to jetty users.

Why Are These Works Needed?

In August 2024, council conducted an above and below water condition inspection on the jetty. The inspection revealed that certain structural components of the timber jetty have deteriorated and require upgrading.

This will include the repair and strengthening of five existing timber pylons, along with the replacement or reinstatement of a series of cross beams and whaler beams.

Thank you for your patience as we complete these essential upgrade works.