The PW2PA project is about more than roads and bridges. It’s creating lasting connections through employment, training, cultural celebration and improved community spaces. Here’s how these changes are making a difference.
Port Augusta: Art Meets Community
Port Augusta is shining brighter than ever, thanks to community-driven artwork celebrating its cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The Joy Baluch AM Bridge is now adorned with an art ribbon, featuring designs inspired by Spencer Gulf’s marine life and traditional stories shared by the Barngarla community. These designs stretch across both sides of the bridge, welcoming locals and visitors alike.
At the lookout, the new Seven Sisters sculpture tells an ancient Barngarla story through its intricate star design and accompanying storyboard. Beneath the bridge, five murals bring the area to life. Student Creations: Port Augusta Special School and Carlton School students designed two of these murals, exploring Indigenous themes and gaining valuable cultural awareness
At the unveiling, Barngarla artist and Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) Chair, Jonas Dare shared the significance of the Seven Sisters story. Principal John Holden of Port Augusta Special School expressed pride in his students’ involvement, noting the project’s role in fostering self-esteem and cultural understanding.
These artworks were coordinated to ensure authenticity and cultural respect.
The surrounding area is also enhanced with shared-use paths and landscaped picnic areas, creating a vibrant space for the community to enjoy.
Swimming Pontoon Update
Unfortunately, defects have caused a delay in opening the new swimming pontoon on the Eastside Foreshore.
Remediation work is required to address defects on the ramp and jetty sections of the pontoon. These essential works are expected to commence in January 2025 and be completed March 2025.
The PW2PA Alliance extends its apology to the community for the delay in opening the pontoon.
Works at Augusta Highway
Beaufort to Lochiel speed limits stay at 80km/h
Work continues duplicating the Augusta Highway between Beaufort and Lochiel. Work was paused during the colder weather, but warmer conditions have allowed sealing, line marking, and signage installation to resume.
The highway remains open with one lane in each direction and a reduced speed limit of 80 km/h. Temporary road closures will be needed to complete intersection upgrades, with detour information available online www.pw2pa.com.au The duplication is expected to be open in early 2025, delivering safer and more efficient travel for all road users.
Works at Lower Eyre Peninsula
Overtaking lanes open
Four new overtaking lanes across the Eyre Peninsula are open, providing safer overtaking opportunities for travellers. These lanes are located on Lincoln Highway, Western Approach Road, and Flinders Highway near the Tod Highway junction.
Completed under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative, these upgrades enhance road safety and improve freight efficiency.
All sections are now open with speed limits returned to 110 km/h, ensuring smoother and safer journeys for drivers
Port Wakefield: Celebrating Culture Through Art
Port Wakefield has become a landmark for cultural recognition, with two significant artworks led by the Kaurna and Narungga communities.
The Overpass: this striking piece features traditional totems representing welcome, connection to country, and community, with a central meeting place symbolised by a fire.
Town Park Artwork: the newly painted footpath and graphic panels tell the story of Port Wakefield as a traditional meeting place, honouring its cultural and historic significance.
These projects celebrate the area’s deep connection to country while creating welcoming spaces for residents and visitors.
New meeting point at the Town Park
Visitors and locals can also learn more about Port Wakefield as a traditional meeting place – thanks to another major art project designed by the Kaurna and Narungga communities.
A painted Welcome footpath design and graphic art panel explains the important cultural and historic connections to country.
Community News
Community time capsule discovered during cairn relocation
During highway upgrades, the Nantawarra Church cairn, a monument commemorating 100 years of the Nantawarra Wesleyan Methodist Church, was relocated to Bumbunga Road.
While dismantling the cairn, we discovered a time capsule from 1988 containing newspapers, coins, and a letter.
The cairn has been reassembled at its new location, preserving its historical significance for future generations
Port Augusta community receiving new waterside paths and picnic areas
Meanwhile, the eastside foreshore at Port Augusta has been revitalised with new landscaping, native plantings, pathways, and picnic areas near the Joy Baluch AM Bridge. Designed with sustainability in mind, the landscaping features plants resilient to the coastal climate, ensuring long-term beauty and usability for the community.
Through collaboration and community engagement, we are delivering essential infrastructure and spaces that celebrate heritage, foster connection, and create a legacy for years to come.
The landscaping is featuring pathways to the bridge Lookout area (above) and picnic tables near the water.
A range of native plants and trees are also being planted to restore the flowering and edible species known to the traditional Aboriginal community. We look forward to welcoming the public into this space in early 2025.
More Information
For more information, or to speak with a member of the project team, please:
- call us on 1300 161 407 or
- email us at enquiries@pw2pa.com.au