O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp opens ahead of summer

Published on 04 December 2023

The upgraded O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp is now open, reducing traffic and boat congestion during peak periods, and improving safety and access for users.

The improvements—funded by the state government—include the replacement of original pontoons and the installation of a new L-shaped pontoon, increasing boat launching capacity and capabilities.

An extra lane has been constructed and the concrete ramps leading down to the water have also been improved.

There is more room for vehicles to move with a widened manoeuvring area, and improvements have also been made to the pedestrian pavement area. Northern and southern rock walls have also been installed.

New line-marking and signage has been installed around the launch and washdown areas to better assist users.

The upgrades will give greater access to locals and tourists using the facilities during peak periods in the summer.

They will also make it easier for emergency services to launch and retrieve vessels during an emergency.

A $35,000 contribution by the City of Onkaparinga helped facilitate the upgrade, including lighting, stormwater relocation and reinstating pavement.

The City of Onkaparinga will also be introducing a new mobile application, PayStay, for boat ramp permits in mid-December—permits to use the boat ramp aren’t required until then.

The app—which replaces the in-person payment option—will allow patrons to purchase permits from the convenience of their phone, anytime, anywhere. Permits will be available for a single visit or for three, six, nine or 12 months. For more information visit the council’s website.

The new Harbour Café and Marine Shop will also open at the site later this month.

Katrine Hildyard MP said the state government had listened to the calls from the southern community and delivered a new and improved boat ramp in time for summer.

“I am proud to have worked closely alongside the community, advocating for this much-needed infrastructure improvement at O’Sullivan Beach, and proud that we are now delivering it,” she said.

“The boat ramp is a really important piece of infrastructure for our local community and for visitors to our area. It is important that it is safe and accessible for all; this investment and development ensures that it is.

I wholeheartedly thank all who campaigned for this; I am so pleased that local fishers, members of the sailing club, the Volunteer Coast Guard and others now have a place that will enable them to safely access this beautiful part of our coast.”

City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Michael Fisher called the upgrade a massive win for the community, especially for keen local boaties, the fishing community and emergency services.

“The community and the City of Onkaparinga had advocated for an upgrade of the boat ramp for some time, so we’re really pleased with the state government’s investment,” he said.

“To coincide with the reopening, we’ve introduced a new mobile application for patrons to pay for their launch permit, and also brought in a new kiosk operator, making the user experience for those heading to “Sullies” better than ever before.”