THE Barmera jetty has been closed temporarily due to stability concerns, while the local council looks at options for the site’s future use.
Berri Barmera Council fenced off access to the jetty last week, with the area to remain closed until staff can engage maritime contractors to prop up and stabilise the structure.
The jetty was closed in April 2020, after one of the wooden posts supporting the structure broke during stormy weather, but was reopened after council braced the post.
Council CEO Karyn Burton said the propping solution would allow council to undertake public consultation and prepare funding applications for future works on the jetty.
“I’m sure the public will want to have some say as to whether they want a whole new structure, bring back the old style of jetty, or whatever it might be,” she said.
“That will be a costly exercise in the long run, so this propping solution is a temporary solution to make sure the jetty is safe for people to access.
“Until we have those props in place we have done a risk analysis and decided we need to close off access.
“Hopefully it won’t be long until that is done.”
Ms Burton said the community would be heavily involved in the planning process for the jetty.
“It will be an emotive topic in Barmera as it is an iconic structure for the town,” she said.
“We often get people say they love the old jetty… I believe that would be quite an expensive exercise so unless we get grant funding for something like that it may be out of council’s reach but we will go down that planning process with the community onboard.”
Council confidentially discussed potential options for the Barmera jetty at its May monthly meeting last week.