Horseshoe Bay, tucked along a popular surfing coastline, is a drawcard for families and hosts learn-to-swim programs in summer. A report prepared for Alexandrina Council sets out five options, including repairing and extending a damaged breakwater that was first built in the 1850s.
Mayor Keith Parkes said the preferred approach would repair the breakwater as soon as possible, along with upgrades to the existing sea wall and sand replenishment from an external source. “In a million years, council can’t afford to do it. But we can’t do nothing,” Cr Parkes said. “We’re talking about 12 metres by 2050 if nothing’s done.”
The local caravan park sits behind dunes at the southern end of the bay, while the sea wall stands between a bowls club, a cafe and playground equipment. The bay’s relative safety makes it a popular spot for families and tourists.
Under the South Australian Coast Protection Act, councils carrying out coastal protection works can apply to the state government’s Coast Protection Board for a grant covering up to four-fifths of the cost. However, Cr Parkes noted that Horseshoe Bay is only a small part of Alexandrina’s 26-kilometre coastline and that many councils face similar challenges. “All councils on the coast are facing challenges with maintaining infrastructure which is way beyond their financial capacity,” he said.
The council area, which includes the towns of Port Elliot, Middleton, Goolwa and Strathalbyn, has a population of about 31,500. The breakwater was originally intended to reach nearby Pullen Island but was never completed. The sea wall has already been temporarily protected by concrete blocks and sandbags after storm water damage.