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What do you do with a golden shovel? Well, you "push sh-- uphill" with it.
That is exactly what will happen when Fisherman Bay pumps its sewage about four kilometres to Port Broughton for treatment under a $20 million plan.
At a "turning of the sod" at the seaside resort on Thursday, June 19, golden shovels were handed to key people involved in the long-awaited project.
The guests were invited to toss soil onto a mound to signify the start of work.
Barunga West Council chief executive officer Maree Wauchope told the crowd of about 60 people: "There is a term, 'pushing sh-- uphill - this project is a good reflection of that.
"We are literally taking sewage and pushing it somewhere against gravity."
The comparison drew laughter from the crowd.
It was a fitting comment given that the spot was once known for its row of 60 "dunnies" or outhouses at the rear of shacks.
The project will connect the resort to the local sewerage system and is part of a grand vision that will involve 400 new sites beside the sea.
In a note about the work, the council said it was an historic, ground-breaking occasion.
"After decades of uncertainty, the biggest investment ever seen in one of South Australia's most iconic shack communities will shape the future of Fisherman Bay, providing certainty for residents and generating lasting benefits for the wider Top of Yorke community," it said.
Guests included newly re-elected Grey MP Rowan Ramsey and former Labor minister Pat Conlon who was credited with being instrumental in bringing about the venture.
Mayor Leonie Kerley said councillors had been involved in "tedious, technical and tiring" meetings in the past three years to develop the plans.
Chairman of Fisherman Bay Management David Hosking, who has been visiting the resort for the past 50 years, said it would be a "magnificent" development.
He said families staying at the bay had always been interested in best outcomes.
About 1970, 10 families bought the site which was facing demolition of shacks by a developer.
"Many have been associated with Fisherman Bay since the 1930s," he said.
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"This project will transform the community. There will be 400 new sites that will be homes.
"Yes, we have made some mistakes over the journey, but we have reached a conclusion.
"For 20 years, it was a long, drawn-out process."
Greg Mayfield
As editor, I am responsible for 11 mastheads around the state. I have more than 45 years' experience in newspapers and digital platforms. I am lucky to have an enthusiastic and dedicated team of journalists working with me.
As editor, I am responsible for 11 mastheads around the state. I have more than 45 years' experience in newspapers and digital platforms. I am lucky to have an enthusiastic and dedicated team of journalists working with me.
