Frequently Asked Questions

The GWB opened in 1927 and was used to carry vehicles and pedestrians across the Spencer Gulf until the Joy Baluch AM Bridge was opened to vehicle traffic in 1972.

From 1972, the GWB was retained and used for pedestrian access, recreational fishing and a Heritage Walk until 2017, when it was closed due to safety concerns relating to the bridge’s degrading condition.

Several independent assessments have identified significant deterioration to the supporting piles and the bridge’s overall structural integrity. Further investigations into potential upgrade options have determined it is not practical or economically viable to restore the bridge.

In August 2023, the South Australian Heritage Council decided not to provisionally designate the Great Western Bridge as a Heritage location because it did not meet any of the criteria for State heritage significance outlined in the Heritage Places Act 1993.

Following enquiries from some sectors of the community, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport investigated the option of retaining some of the cut piles at a higher height to serve as an artificial reef.

The investigation established that such retained timbers at a higher height off the seabed – or laid on the seabed - would be a hazard, with likely movement and breakdown of the piles in the tidal flow.

As the project is located in the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park, the project is operating under the strict conditions of a permit to minimise any impacts in the marine park.

Continuing water and noise monitoring and restriction of motorised vessels operating in the area will also help to maintain the existing marine environment. The demolition methodology will put all practical mitigation measures in place to ensure any spills or debris from the bridge will be prevented from falling into the marine environment.

Regular inspections of water quality and the marine ecosystem will be undertaken. The project follows monitoring requirements under legislation (For example the Environment and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)

A photographic underwater inspection of the marine life in the vicinity and on bridge piles has been undertaken and Marine Park rangers have advised that, overall, the project will have minimal disruption on marine life or habitats.

To ensure work can be undertaken safely and efficiently, the west side boat ramp will not be accessible to the public for the duration of the project. The boat ramp is situated within the works exclusion zone and will be used to transport materials from the water to a laydown area on Burgoyne Street.

The coastal walking track will be maintained, with clear signage and traffic management in place to direct pedestrians during the transfer of materials.

The Carpenters Landing boat ramp will remain accessible throughout the project.

An Exclusion Zone around the project site will be marked in the Gulf by buoys.

Demolition commenced in March 2024, and is expected to be completed in August 2024, weather permitting.

Depending on the condition of the timber the Port Augusta City Council has the opportunity to receive and have assessed salvaged timber for potential use in landscaping, public art, interpretation, and wayfinding projects that demonstrate a community benefit.

The Port Augusta City Council has formed a Great Western Bridge Timbers Advisory Group to address the potential future use of the bridge timbers. There is an open expression of interest for community members to join this group https://www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au/enquiries/tenders .

For further detail please contact the Port Augusta City Council

Demolishing the bridge eliminates the increasing risk of the structure collapsing or posing a hazard for the boating, fishing and swimming community. Demolition will also allow various marine vessels to travel the full eastern stretch of the Spencer Gulf