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A coastal council in SA's South East is looking for funding to battle the erosion that has closed an important marina, but the state government says it does not have funding to help support it.
The Kingston District Council announced the closure of the Cape Jaffa marina earlier this month, with nearly 100,000 cubic metres of sand blocking the marina's entrance.
The sand was brought in by high seas and strong winds in late August and early September, when wind gusts reached up to 107kph.
The closure has forced commercial fishers to temporarily relocate out of the district, and impacted the number of bookings by recreational fishers at the local holiday park.
The Kingston District Council has faced issues with erosion in recent years. (Facebook: National Trust)
Council needing erosion help
The council spent nearly $1 million to dredge the marina earlier this year, but the storm rendered the work redundant.
Kingston District Council CEO Ian Hart said a contractor will clear the entrance next month, but the ongoing cost of managing the coast is too much for a small council.
"This particular term of council is committed to finding the right solution, but we're going to need help," he said.
"If we don't, we're in a really difficult position because I don't know for how much longer this council can contribute significant sums of money in a small budget to maintain that area."
Kingston District Council CEO Ian Hart says managing sand at the marina is expensive. (ABC South East SA: Eugene Boisvert)
Council is seeking state government grant funding of up to $1.2 million to undertake a more intensive dredging campaign.
However, a state government spokesperson said there was no funding stream for dredging at private marinas.
"Monies set aside to manage fisheries or to protect coastal habitats cannot be used for these purposes," they said.
"Responsibility for ongoing sand management at Cape Jaffa Marina sits with Kingston District Council, and has since it was transferred from the private developer to council some years ago.
"At a meeting with Deputy Premier Susan Close last week, the minister encouraged council to explore long term solutions for managing the issue including with the Commonwealth."
Cape Jaffa marina is normally a home for commercial fishing boats. (ABC South East SA: Eugene Boisvert)
Big impact on small community
Cape Jaffa resident and boat yard manager Mark Rothall said the marina's closure has been a blow to the small town and the wider district.
"It is becoming a popular spot, mainly for tourism, the wineries and the fishing," he said.
"You take the fishing away and you take the boat ramps away, people are not going to come, so it will affect a lot of people."
The Cape Jaffa Holiday Park had already been impacted by the marina closure. (ABC South East SA: Josh Brine)
Cape Jaffa Holiday Park owner Rebecca Ireland said her business had lost some bookings and seen lower bait and fuel sales.
She said the closure has created disappointment and anger, but she is hopeful a lasting solution will be found.
"If left and had nothing done to it, it certainly could be an issue, but from my understanding [council is] committed to trying to figure out a long-term solution," she said.