Yorke Peninsula Council has taken a significant step forward in securing a new Edithburgh jetty diving platform, officially signing a Grant Agreement with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

Through the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program, Council has successfully secured over $550,000.

The project will include installing a new staircase with platforms at various heights for divers and snorkellers, improving access and enhancing visitor experience at the popular Edithburgh jetty.

Mayor Darren Braund said the project was an important investment in local tourism and community infrastructure.

Developed in collaboration with the local community and key stakeholders, the dive stairs project has been shaped by extensive consultation, including a public co-design workshop held in Edithburgh.

Edithburgh Progress Association will contribute a further $10,000 towards the dive stairs project, with Council co-contributing $236,463 (30%) of the total $788,210 project cost.

The new stairs on the north side of the jetty will replace the former northern steps which were removed after being badly damaged 2018.

Tenders for the dive stairs construction closed Friday, 21 March.

 

Quotes Attributable to Yorke Peninsula Council Mayor, Darren Braund

“This project will enhance one of South Australia’s premier diving locations, making it more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.”

“Edithburgh jetty is a major tourism driver for our region, welcoming more than 50,000 visitors annually and growing by almost 6% each year.”

“By improving access for divers and snorkellers, we are ensuring the jetty remains a top attraction for visitors to support the local economy.”

“Edithburgh jetty is regarded as one of the best diving locations in South Australia, even being ranked number one in the state by Diving Adelaide.,”

“It’s home to fascinating marine life including the pyjama squid and leafy sea dragon, making it a must-visit destination for divers from around the world.

“This funding ensures that we continue to invest in vital infrastructure that benefits both our local community and the many visitors who come to experience Yorke Peninsula’s incredible marine environment.”

 

Yorke Peninsula Council invites the community to have its say on the draft review of Council’s Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP).

The TAMP was last updated in March 2021 and provided a pathway for future service provision while highlighting funding shortfalls in transport asset renewal.

Since then, significant data has been collected to inform transport asset management decisions.

This includes average annual daily traffic counts (AADT), updated road renewal costs per kilometre, funding allocations for road renewals, and changes to heavy vehicle access on Council’s unsealed road network.

The 2025 draft TAMP review reflects this updated information and outlines how Council is pivoting to provide a ‘Fit For Purpose’ level of service, despite ongoing financial challenges.

The TAMP encompasses Council’s transport network, including roads, footpaths, kerbs and gutters, and airfields. Roads make up 84.4% of YPC’s transport asset inventory, with unsealed roads accounting for 60.6% of this total.

Mayor Darren Braund said the focus of the 2025 TAMP review is unsealed roads.

“Unsealed roads are a vital part of our region’s transport network, supporting local communities, businesses, and primary industries,” Mr Braund said.

“The draft TAMP takes a step forward in addressing the issues identified in the 2021 review, working within available budgets while seeking to improve road durability and longevity.

“The plan clarifies how road priority is determined based on high, medium, and low use, and elaborates on the maintenance and construction approaches that will best support our road network into the future.”

Community members are encouraged to review the draft TAMP and provide feedback during the public consultation period.

“We value the input of our community and stakeholders in shaping our transport infrastructure,” Mr Braund said.

“This is an opportunity to help ensure our road network meets the needs of residents and visitors alike.”

The document is available on Council’s website and at Council offices.