The Value of SA Jetties project explores the social and economic benefits of jetties to South Australian communities.

This project looks at how jetties contribute to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of local communities. The evaluation will focus on the value of activities that are supported by jetties, such as tourism, walking, recreational fishing and swimming.

These insights will help the LGA and local government better advocate for funding to maintain and upgrade jetties.

About jetties in SA

In South Australia there are approximately 75 jetties, almost half are managed by local councils.

Many jetties have state or local heritage significance and have important social and economic benefit.

Most jetties are owned by the State Government and leased to councils. Over time, many jetties have been damaged by storms and need urgent funding for restore them.

Councils currently spend about $2 million collectively each year to maintain these community assets. Due to their costly timber construction, the ongoing cost of upgrading and restoring damaged jetties requires additional funding.

Measuring the value of jetties

We conducted a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate how jetties contribute to a town's economic value by attracting visitors and improving wellbeing. We received over 2,400 responses from the South Australian public to reveal the enormous value jetties provide to our state. This evidence will assist us to advocate for more long-term funding for South Australian jetties.

The Value of Jetties report found that visitors to SA jetties put $103 million back into our economy. They support 800 full time jobs and are spending between $26 and $50 every time they go to a jetty.

Read more about the LGA's advocacy to save SA jetties

This campaign garnered a direct response from State Premier Peter Malinauskas, who in an ABC radio interview said this about jetty upkeep:

Much of the burden falls on local government in a way that some smaller regional councils simply can’t sustain. Jetties often are a lifeblood for a community and we’ve got to make sure we invest in them.