Edith Butler Pier Boardwalk Renewal
Project Overview
The City of Holdfast Bay completed the renewal of a section of the Edith Butler Pier Boardwalk on
7 August 2026.
The works included renewing:
- the boardwalk decking
- balustrades
- and key structural components to ensure safety and longevity.
We would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during this important community infrastructure renewal.
FAQ
FAQ
Recent condition assessments found structural defects that reduce the boardwalk’s load capacity. Renewal is necessary to maintain safety and functionality.
The north-west portion of the boardwalk is being renewed.
For community safety and because of the additional required work to concrete structure, the following measures will be in place during construction:
- The Edith Butler Pier boardwalk and the State Government’s concrete walkway across the Patawalonga Lake South Gates will be temporarily closed.
- These closures will extend through the Easter period in April.
- The Patawalonga Boat Lock will remain operational except for any short, safety‑related closures. Any such closures will be communicated to users well in advance.
- All works are expected to be completed by late July 2026 subject to inclement weather or unforeseen conditions.
Detour routes will be in place and clearly signposted.
Yes, the boardwalk is safe for pedestrian use. However, some areas are restricted from vehicles due to structural limitations. These areas are marked and monitored.
The boardwalk has three sections of different ages and conditions. The remaining sections are structurally sound, with adequate load limits and do not currently require renewal.
Hardwood timber for decking and balustrades to match the existing.
Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) for the structural components beneath the decking, offering strength, resistance to corrosion, longer asset lifespan, and minimal maintenance.
Yes. The renewed structure is being designed to support:
- Pedestrian crowd loads (5.0 kPa)
- Maintenance vehicles (up to 4.5 tonnes)
- Equipment such as boom lifts and stop log transport dollies
The project scope has been updated to include repairs to third parties' structures supporting the boardwalk, which is being renewed. The integrated program, scheduled to begin on 23 February 2026, will take approximately 13 weeks, noting that the original program was 8-10 weeks and that council and contractor have worked to reduce the level of impact to our community as much as possible. All works are expected to be completed by mid‑May 2026 subject to inclement weather or unforeseen conditions.
The essential repairs could not begin until the State Government’s upgrade of the Patawalonga South Gates was completed in December 2025. To ensure delivery efficiency across both projects, the existing contractor will continue managing the site.
Yes. In June 2023, Council tested a section of the boardwalk and asked the community for feedback on different materials. This helped us see how each option looked and performed in real conditions over time.
We reviewed community feedback with technical advice to create a hybrid design that offers both strength and visual appeal. The design incorporated FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic) substructure for durability and safety, hardwood decking, and balustrade for aesthetics and coastal character. This approach balances performance and long-term value, ensuring the boardwalk remains safe, attractive, and sustainable for years to come.
These works will resolve previously identified safety issues. Due to the accelerated deterioration of the substructure, these works must be undertaken urgently.
Meanwhile, Council is awaiting third‑party rectification of the non‑Council supporting infrastructure. Renewal works for the project will commence once these rectifications have been completed. Timeframes for both the rectification works and the project’s renewal activities will be communicated as they become available.
Concurrent delivery with the State Government’s project was not possible due to differing technical requirements.
McMahon Services Australia Pty Ltd has been engaged by the City of Holdfast Bay to deliver the construction works.
The contractor, McMahon Services, will utilise their existing site compound within Tarniwarra Reserve, North Esplanade, until project completion. The site compound footprint is half the size of the existing compound utilised for the State Government’s Patawalonga South Gates upgrade project in 2024-25. The current fence alignment will be retained, except for the BBQ and bench area, which will be returned to public use.
The reserve will be restored to its original condition after the project.
Yes, the Patawalonga boat lock will remain operational during the boardwalk construction, unless otherwise advised.
Later in 2026, maintenance work will be undertaken on the boat lock. This work will require a temporary closure for boats and will be planned for the winter months to minimise disruption for boat owners. Further details on this maintenance program will be provided in the coming months, and Council will liaise closely with stakeholders and the community to ensure timely communication.
The contractor, McMahon Services, will utilise their existing site compound within Tarniwarra Reserve, North Esplanade, until project completion. The site compound is half the size of the existing site compound during the State Government’s Patawalonga South Gates upgrade project in 2024-25. The current fence alignment will be retained, except for the BBQ and bench area, which will be returned to public use.
The reserve will be restored to its original condition after the project.
7am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and public holidays).
If work outside these hours is required, advanced notification will be provided.
Project updates will be shared here at www.yourholdfast.com/edith-butler
Click the + “follow” button at the top of the project page to receive regular updates
You can also contact the City of Holdfast Bay directly on (08) 8229 9999 or via email at mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au.
Muni Krishna S.R.
Senior Project Manager Infrastructure Delivery
City of Holdfast Bay
8229 9999
mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au
We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the Traditional Custodians of the Adelaide region and respect their spiritual relationship and cultural beliefs that remain important to the Kaurna people today.
