Winter’s high tides

After high tides on May 25th and June 24th, there was an even higher tide on July 24th.

The height of the tide was obvious under the Birkenhead Bridge

Birkenhead Bridge 5pm, July 24th 2021

Water was bubbling near the Sea Scouts building and surrounding it on three sides.

On the north side water lapped the tarmac edge of Jenkins St

Sea Scouts building, 4.45pm July 24th 2021

High tide on Jenkins St, 4.35pm July 24th 2021

With Council having commissioned reports dating back to 2005, warning of the risks of flooding and proposing solutions, there’s no lack of evidence about the need for action.

At its August 2021 meeting, Council received a report (Item 12.3.4 Infrastructure Australia Submission: Mitigating Sea Level Rise and Flood Hazards in Port Adelaide) suggesting that Council support a State Government led submission to Infrastructure Australia  seeking:

• to have coastal inundation and flood mitigation in Port Adelaide (Inner and Outer Harbor) listed as national priority for infrastructure investment; and

• development of a full business case to attract the necessary public and private capital investment.

These are welcome developments, though dependent on Infrastructure Australia nominating coastal inundation and flood mitigation in Port Adelaide as a national priority and Commonwealth and State funds being made available, before significant flooding occurs.