The importance of South Australian jetties has been in the spotlight this week – highlighted by survey results and a protest.
The Local Government Association conducted a survey to discover the social, environmental and economic value of the structures, and LGA President Dean Johnson says they received over 2,000 responses.
“2,400 responses to a survey is just incredible for us, and I’m sure that even major causes for the State Government don’t get that sort of response, Mr Johnson says.
“I think that shows just how important jetties are to our community… We know that jetties are really important for physical health – a good stroll along the jetty to get the heart pumping – but also for mental health and wellbeing.”
The closure of Tumby Bay’s jetty is a prime example of how important they are for local communities.
“It’s really tough for community’s such as Tumby Bay when the whole community is around the seaside environment.
“We’ve seen evidence of tourists that are actually choosing to go to other towns because their jetty is closed, and that’s really sad.”
The Tumby Bay community took action on Sunday, 4 February, to protest the closure and ask the State Government to find a solution.
Protestors bypassed barricades and danger signs to walk the length of the jetty and jump into the ocean.
