Watch this space: Foreshore playspace centrepiece to be installed in coming weeks

"Sitting on the jetty or strolling down Tasman Terrace you would be forgiven for wondering why progress has slowed on the Foreshore Playspace site? While a small team carry on installing pathways, rubber and adding finishing touches including artwork by the Yailgoo Aboriginal Arts group the real progress has been hidden within workshops of a collection of Port Lincoln local manufacturers," says Martin Elton of Elton Landscapes.

"Last week, local fabricator Lincoln Steel, completed the last welds on the centrepiece elevated walkway/ play structure, ready for delivery to local painter Rustbusters to apply coatings."

“It’s not your usual piece of structural steel, there is a lot of unseen work in every curved corner and non-square angle. With that said it is good to give the team something a bit out-there from time to time, it keeps things interesting and the skills sharp," said Trent Adams of Lincoln Steel.

"The structure will now receive a high durability paint treatment including fibreglass bound undercoats to ensure the structure stands up to the frontline coastal environment and remains safe and rust free for children to enjoy for many years to come," said Mr Elton.

While businesses across the region, and well beyond, struggle with the significant material and labour shortages council is extremely proud to see this major piece of the foreshore project constructed by local trades to a very high standard. Given previous delays with geotechnical conditions, design and adaption of the structure to meet unforeseen site conditions fabrication was only able to commence early in 2023 and has progressed at a steady rate since.

The three coat system requires significant curing time between coats and the process is expected to take 2-3 weeks to get right. Upon curing, head contractor Elton Landscapes has engaged local operator Eyre Cranes to assist in installing the structure on site. From there, floor finishes, balustrades, handrails and play equipment will be able to be installed as well as works adjacent left to facilitate access until this point.

The community can look forward to some major transformations on site in the coming weeks with practical completion and independent certification booked to see the play space open to the public around the end of March.

Artistic Impression - Nature Playspace at the Port Lincoln Foreshore

South Australian contractor Elton Landscapes has been appointed to build the new nature playspace at the Port Lincoln Foreshore with construction works set to commence from Monday 13 June 2022.

  • STAGE 1 May - Sept 2022

    Build the Playspace

  • STAGE 2 - July - September 2022

    Renew the seawall and path

  • STAGE 3 September 2022 - May 2023

    Foreshore Plaza

  • STAGE 4 June - September 2023

    Jetty Upgrade and Repairs

  • STAGE 5 June - September 2023

    Activity Zone

Project Overview

The $7.24 million (7.6M) Port Lincoln Foreshore Redevelopment project is set to provide a major visitor drawcard, while also providing an iconic recreational, meeting, tourism and events space for our community.

This foreshore project has received significant State Government being awarded $3.62 million in funding through the SA Government’s Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Programme, as well as being recognised as a priority in the Port Lincoln Precincts Master Plan which took out the Planning Minister’s Award for Best Planning Project at the 2020 SA Planning Institute of Australia Awards.

Council leaders have acknowledged the community has mixed views on particular elements of what this development should look like, and the ultimate goal is to find the balance between providing a positive place for everyone to access, while also creating an iconic landscape that help drives our economy, business and employment.

As the project moves ahead in 2022, our Council wants you to stay engaged and involved in its progress. This project page will be regularly updated to keep our community up to speed on the progress of the project.

Key features of the foreshore redevelopment concept plans, include:

  • public art and interpretation of First Nations' stories and reconciliation
  • all ages and ability nature and adventure play spaces
  • sports zone including half-court ball sports, bouldering wall and beginner's skate area
  • central foreshore plaza and flexible event space
  • renewal and upgrade of thetown jetty catering for charter vessels
  • fully accessible public realm upgrades and beach access

The revised draft plan was endorsed for consultation by Council on Monday 17 May 2021, and updates to the plan (listed below) were placed on public exhibition from Thursday 20 May 2021 to 9am on Friday 11 June 2021.

Council has drawn on the ideas and feedback from the community gathered through multiple rounds of consultation throughout 2018-2020 as part of the masterplan project.

The first draft concept plans were developed in a condensed timeframe from November 2020 to January 2021, aiming to advance the project by attracting grant funding from the State and Federal governments following the impacts of COVID-19.

Concept plans were released for public consultation from 26 January to 19 February 2021 in order to listen to community opinion, with the main themes summarised in a report presented to Council in March.

Key changes made to the plan following this consultation include:

  • reconfiguration of the car park along the foreshore, whereby only six car parks will be lost (as opposed to 23 as initially proposed);
  • the creation of new accessible parks and safe passenger drop-off zones for children, the elderly and those with mobility and access challenges;
  • more refined images and plans of the precinct features to better demonstrate concepts to community.

This project will be an asset for the Port Lincoln community, businesses and visitors as it builds on growing our reputation as a beautiful place to live, work and invest, while also continuing to grow our tourism brand as a must-visit destination.

It will significantly improve access to our foreshore area for many who currently find it challenging - including those with mobility issues, the elderly, youth and families with young children. The proposed car parking changes will create a drop-off bay or short-term parking area that will allow these people to safely and easily access our stunning foreshore.

Any questions on the Port Lincoln Foreshore Project can be directed to Council's Project Manager - Master Plan Projects, Kathleen Brannigan on 8621 2300 or email kathleen.brannigan@plcc.sa.gov.au.