The editor,

I support the proposal put forward for the marina complex between the highway to Carpenter’s Landing and urge others to do so.

This is the best overall solution for this area and Port Augusta as a whole, by providing international standard facilities all in the one spot.

Including commercial berths, private berths, launching, fuel, sullage, maintenance, tourism and hospitality facilities.

This represents a best case scenario in terms of facilities, community and tourism.

At a time when Port Augusta is placing a high priority on its image this highly visible tourism area has been let go with facilities being removed and unkempt, not to mention become unsafe.

In more than 25 years of being associated with this area it has never been in worse condition, to a point where it is detractive to the businesses of the immediate area.

Currently the boat ramp cannot be used 25 per cent of the time due to the condition at the bottom and tourists are astonished by the lack of public toilets.

The cruise industry and its development has proved its worth but has virtually been capped by insufficient facilities.

With passenger numbers now measured in tens of thousands with double digit growth this certainly puts a lot into the Port Augusta economy, as well as providing a positive image.

Not only is this a business issue but a social issue, I was raised in this area and we are now raising our family here on Loudon Road.

I can say that the facilities are certainly not appealing for family outings and little has been done to improve it.

The toilets have been removed, the grass is dead and the beach is only suitable for swimming around three months of the year for around three hours per day in the morning (mainly only weekends) before the tide recedes rendering unsuitable for comfortable bathing. I realise that this may be an emotive issue for some but if this was purely another foreshore retail or residential development then I would question its suitability for the area.

This development is not taking from our foreshore but maximising Port Augusta's overall foreshore facilities to provide a full spectrum of uses and facilities, further enhancing its image for the better.

Aaron Morgan

Port Augusta