Frequently Asked Questions

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is upgrading the O’Sullivan Beach Boat Ramp facility. Built in 1983, the boat ramp is an important part of South Australia’s marine infrastructure that is popular with recreational boat users, as well as an important facility for emergency services to launch and retrieve vessels. This project is funded by the South Australian Government and includes the election commitment to invest an additional $1 million to ensure the facility is made safe and accessible.

Built in 1983, the boat ramp is an important part of South Australia’s marine infrastructure that is popular with recreational boat users, as well as an important facility for emergency services to launch and retrieve vessels. This upgrade will improve the operational use of the facility by reducing congestion during peak periods and improving access and safety for launching boats.

The upgrade works include construction of an additional boat lane increasing launch capacity.

The boat ramp will be closed during construction to allow for the most efficient method of construction and allow the ramp to be re-opened at full capacity as soon as possible. It is also important to close the ramp during construction to ensure the safety of the public, boat users and construction workers.

The L shape adds a temporary layby for vessels, allowing vessels to safely wait within the harbour without interfering with launching or retrieval activities, and provides additional tie down provisions. Access to the ocean facing L pontoon will be restricted during emergency services operations, with priority given to emergency service vessels.

The handrail on the new L shaped pontoon supports improving access to the facility for people living with a disability. This forms part of the State Government’s election commitment to ensure the boat ramp facility is safe and accessible. The land facing side of the L pontoon is a dedicated emergency services bay accessible to emergency services vessels only.

Yes.

No. This upgrade includes extending the existing rock revetment (armour) wall to ensure the structural integrity of the new ramp and L shaped pontoon. The new rock wall will run parallel to the southern side of the new pontoon and will be above sea level (levels will vary dependant on tidal flows).

The natural rock shelf, below the rock revetment, provides structural integrity to the overall facility, including the car park, ramps, and pontoons, similar to the foundation of a house. This rock shelf protects the structure against damage from the elements increasing the durability and longevity of the facility as a whole. Additional rock armour will be added around the edges of the boat ramp facility, and at the base of the individual ramps to control erosion.

The boat ramp facility closed to the public on 26 April 2023, and will re-open to the public in December 2023, weather permitting. Construction will be undertaken from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, with occasional works outside of these hours based on environmental conditions.

Works will be undertaken 'in the wet', with the installation of new pre-cast concrete panels below mean sea level for the new ramp, additional piles for the new pontoon, new concrete manoeuvring areas, rock revetment removal and re-armouring around the perimeter of the boat ramp, additional scour protection to the toe of the boat ramp, and minor stormwater and lighting upgrades.

The minimum boat ramp width at this location, as set by the South Australian Boating Facility Advisory guidelines is 3.7 metres. The upgraded O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp will exceed the minimum lane width and will be constructed as 4.0 metres wide.

The two replacement pontoons are approximately 1.5 metres longer than the previous pontoons, and the L Shape pontoon is approximately 4 metres longer. Further extension risks exposing the pontoons to damage during storms and tidal swells.

Local access for pedestrians will remain throughout the works, with some restrictions in place for short periods of time for safety reasons. Pedestrians are encouraged to follow signage and the instructions of onsite staff. A map of the pedestrian paths and accessible areas can be found on the area map, see below.

As part of the upgrade, the vehicle manoeuvring area at the top of the boat ramps will be widened. The upgrade also provides for two new accessible car parking spaces close to the pontoons.

As part of the design, the Department is widening the vehicle manoeuvring area of the car park to facilitate access to the new pontoon and boat lane.

The Department has engaged a traffic management professional to audit the whole O'Sullivan Beach Boat Ramp facility, including the car park, and propose traffic management solutions. The Department will collaborate with the City of Onkaparinga, as the asset owner, to review proposed solutions.

As part of the upgrade, the median is being shortened by 12 metres at the western end to accommodate the additional southern launching lane. Further reduction of the median risks confusing the designated rigging bays with trailer parking.

The location of the two new accessibility parks was determined by several factors. The accessibility parks are located on a flat section of the car park and a short distance from the resting bench and the accessible L Shape pontoon. This ensures the pontoon is accessible and compliant with Disability Discrimination Act guidelines.

In addition, the proposed location of the car parking is the only area close to the ramp that cannot be utilised for rigging, manoeuvring, washing or trailer parking as the length of the vehicles towing trailers is too great. The addition of these accessible car parking spaces is part of the $1 million State Government election commitment to improve the safety and accessibility of the site.

Access to O'Sullivan Beach and the boat ramp car park will remain throughout the works for light vehicles only without trailers. Beach access on the southern side of the car park will remain open to the public.

For safety reasons there may be some restricted access. Pedestrians are advised to take care whilst in the area and observe signage of path and boat ramp closures. For your safety we ask you not to enter fenced-off areas under construction while works are undertaken.

The kiosk building, operated by the City of Onkaparinga, will continue to be accessible for toilet facilities. Boating permits cannot be purchased from City of Onkaparinga during construction as the boat ramp will not be available.

Recreational fishing from the beach to the south of the southern rock wall will continue to be available throughout construction. Nearby fishing locations can also be found at Brighton Jetty and Glenelg Jetty.

Alternative boat launch locations can be found by the DIT boat ramps website at: www.sa.gov.au/topics/boating-and-marine/moorings-marinas-ramps/who-owns-boat-ramps

Alternative launch points can be found at the recently upgraded West Beach with beach launching areas for smaller craft at Sellicks Beach and Aldinga Beach.

More information on launching at Onkaparinga's beaches is available on the council's website at www.onkaparingacity.com.

Access to the boat ramp will be maintained for emergency services if required.

Following completion of the upgrades, the boat ramp is expected to re-open to the public in December 2023, weather permitting.