Update on Pennington Bay Access and Engineering Challenges
The Kangaroo Island Council acknowledges the concerns raised by the community regarding ongoing access issues at Pennington Bay. We remain committed to keeping residents and visitors informed about the status of the project and the challenges we are facing.
At the Council Briefing held on Thursday, 30 January 2025, members reviewed the current status of the Pennington Bay pathway and staircase project. While we understand that delays and communication gaps have caused frustration, we want to provide full transparency about the complexities involved in resolving these issues.
Project Status and Engineering Challenges
The Council originally announced in September 2024 that the project had been temporarily halted due to unforeseen construction issues. While the upper section of the steps has been completed with a handrail, the lower section remains unfinished due to ongoing engineering challenges. One of the primary difficulties is ensuring the project meets building standards and successfully navigates the Development Application (DA) process, which takes time.
At this stage, no final solution has been determined. Council is actively working with engineers and the Coastal Protection Board to assess viable options that meet safety, environmental, and cost considerations. There are potential low-cost options for Council, which will be discussed with the Coastal Protection Board. However, any major construction solution will require significant funding and will need to be considered in next year’s Council budget, meaning implementation is still some time away.
Access and Safety Concerns
Council recognises that visitors have faced difficulties in determining safe access to the beach. Currently, there are no designated access points to the main beach. Council is seeking urgent advice from Crown Lands and the Coastal Protection Board to determine if a new access point can be fast-tracked. Until then, we strongly advise visitors to exercise caution and avoid creating their own paths through the dunes, which could lead to erosion and environmental damage.
Immediate Actions
To improve communication and manage expectations, the Council will undertake the following:
- Collaboration with Coastal Protection Board: Continue to engage with the Coastal Protection Board to explore a joint solution for long-term access improvements. Discussions are scheduled for late February.
- Project Updates: Provide a formal update following the Coastal Protection Board meeting, outlining progress, funding considerations, and potential access solutions, acknowledging that a final resolution is still under review.
Commitment to Transparency and Community Engagement
Mayor Michael Pengilly stated, “We acknowledge the frustration this situation has caused. While we are working to find a practical and sustainable solution, we must also be realistic about the challenges ahead. We appreciate the community’s patience as we navigate these issues.”
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Daryl Buckingham added, “It’s important that we are upfront about the difficulties we face. At present, we do not have a confirmed solution, and any major work will require funding approval in next year’s budget. We are engaging with the Coastal Protection Board to explore alternative access options, but we must be clear that this is still a fluid situation. Our priority is to keep the community informed and manage expectations appropriately.”
The Council thanks the community for its ongoing patience and support as we work towards a safe and sustainable solution for Pennington Bay.