A Hurn Liberal Government has pledged $12 million to renew the Port Lincoln Marina Commercial Service Wharf, positioning the upgrade as a key investment in one of South Australia’s most valuable regional industries ahead of the 2026 state election.
The region’s seafood sector contributes almost $600 million to the state economy and employs more than 1800 people, with Port Lincoln internationally recognised for premium seafood spanning tuna, sardines, kingfish, prawns, mussels, abalone and lobster. The Commercial Service Wharf sits at the centre of that supply chain, moving seafood from ocean to plate, and is now more than 40 years old.
State Liberal Leader Ashton Hurn said the Wharf was integral to maintaining Port Lincoln’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier seafood destinations and described the renewal as long overdue.
“South Australians are immensely proud of our reputation for having incredible produce and Port Lincoln seafood is some of the absolute best we have to offer,” Mrs Hurn said.
“It is vital that this renewal project gets underway so that the wharf can continue to support our fishing and aquaculture industries which have been doing it tough lately.
“A thriving seafood industry is the lifeblood of this region and an economic powerhouse of our state.”
Member for Flinders Sam Telfer said the funding recognised the strategic and economic importance of the Commercial Service Wharf, which underpins almost all commercial fishing activity in Port Lincoln.
“This funding will be used to upgrade the immediate operational and precinct constraints and recognises the strategic and economic importance of the Port Lincoln wharf,” Mr Telfer said.
“Almost all of our commercial fishing industry here in Port Lincoln relies on the Service Wharf, which is why I am proud to support this vital project.
“From tuna, sardine and kingfish, to prawn, mussel, abalone and lobster, the Wharf is vital to getting our product from the ocean to the plate.
“It’s a project I’m proud to commit to.”
The commitment comes as South Australia heads towards the 2026 state election, to be held on Saturday, 21 March. All 47 seats in the House of Assembly and 11 Legislative Council seats will be contested, with the incumbent Labor Government led by Peter Malinauskas seeking a second term, and the Liberals, now led by Mrs Hurn, positioning regional infrastructure and industry support as a key focus of their campaign.
