Sugars Beach, Hindmarsh Island

The Project

Sugars Beach is located at the end of the Murray River (Murray Mouth) on Hindmarsh Island. The current infrastructure and public amenities are limited and in need of upgrades to improve the visitor experience and meet the potential of this iconic location.

In 2022 Alexandrina Council presented a large-scale design concept for Sugars Beach that was aimed at creating a world-class tourism and educational experience including boardwalks with viewing platforms, a cultural tourist hub, toilets, a formalised car park, nature play space, and barbecue and picnic facilities.

Delivery of the design concept was contingent on funding support from the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia. An initial announcement of State funding was withdrawn when no grant funding could be sourced from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

Public consultation was conducted in August and September 2022. Valuable community feedback has led to a revised project, focusing on toilet facilities and interpretive signage while preserving the natural beauty of the area.

A budget of $500,000 was set aside in the 2023/24 Annual Business Plan for the design and construction of toilet facilities and interpretative signage.

Council recently engaged a consultant to progress the designs and approvals for the toilet facilities and the design and location of the interpretive signage. A key component of the new project is engagement with the Ngarrindjeri community to incorporate the telling of their stories relating to this culturally important location. Ngarrindjeri artwork will be incorporated into the signage. The Murray Mouth is a culturally significant ‘Meeting of the Waters’ location.

Information and updates

Progress

Council Agenda – March 2021
The project is only at the early stage with a preliminary concept design for use to attract external funding interest to determine whether the project is feasible. It is important to note images are an artist’s impression only and not to be taken literally.
Informal feedback Council has received since the State Government announcement of $1M funding through the Regional Growth Fund’s ‘Opening Our Great Outdoors’ stream has been very useful to assist guide early refinements to progress a more detailed plan. The State Government funding is subject Federal Government funding.

What’s next?

Work to commence with consultants to determine the revised design and location of interpretive signage and toilet facility.
Council briefing to consider the redefined concept plans.