Limestone Coast, SA gets $6.8m upgrades for lobster jetty, airport

A $3.8 million upgrade of the 67‑year‑old Southend Jetty on South Australia’s Limestone Coast has been completed. The project replaced three ageing landing platforms with steel and composite fibre‑reinforced polymer structures, added new piles, cross‑braces and decking, and installed additional fender extensions to improve safety and reliability for the region’s rock lobster fleet. Delivered under the South Australian Marine Asset Sustainment Fund by Maritime Constructions, the work supported four full‑time jobs and was praised by Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Joe Szakacs as an investment in the long‑term future of the lobster industry.

Separately, the Southern Limestone Coast Council has approved the preparation of a grant application for up to $3 million to upgrade Mount Gambier Regional Airport. The proposed works would fund a runway starter extension and overlay to enable larger aerial firefighting aircraft to operate safely during extreme‑heat bushfire conditions. Council will contribute up to $1.552 million, pending federal funding covering at least half the cost. Strategy and Growth Manager Rebecca Perkin highlighted the upgrades’ role in enhancing disaster‑resilience and protecting the community.