Kangaroo Island | Developments & News

[Paulns]

Haha, I don't think it's changed much since the 80's too!

[Maximus]

This intersting article appeared in The Islander last week. Air passenger numbers have halved in the past 15 years. I wonder what ferry passenger numbers have been in the same period...?

'Build it, they will come’
by Shauna Black
March 28, 2013, 12:26 p.m.

The Kingscote Airport must be upgraded before another airline would consider coming here, according to Kangaroo Island Futures Authority general manager Kristina Roberts said.

KIFA is close to submitting its upgrade plans to the Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese for consideration, with a range of options from $6 million to $17 million to upgrade the runway and the terminal.

In a “build it and they will come” scenario, Ms Roberts said the feedback from airlines interested in operating on the island was that they would only consider it if the runway was upgraded to accommodate larger planes.

“The consequences of not upgrading the airport are horrendous. When we consider that the number of passengers travelling by air has halved in 15 years, we can’t continue down that path. This island cannot do without an air service,” Ms Roberts said.

In 1999 there were more than 90,000 passengers each year. Now it is closer to 40,000.

continues...

[Maximus]

An update on the KI Airport plans...

Regional Express Airlines opposes $18m upgrade plan unless other operators asked to share costs
by: LAUREN NOVAK POLITICAL REPORTER
From: The Advertiser September 04, 2013 11:46PM

THE sole airline flying from the South Australian mainland to Kangaroo Island is warning it may cut services or increase ticket prices if a proposed upgrade of the island's airport goes ahead without attracting more operators.

The KI Futures Authority has a $18 million plan to extend Kingscote Airport runway and upgrade the terminal to accommodate larger planes, allowing direct flights from interstate.

continues...

And also yet another accolade for Southern Ocean Lodge...

Kangaroo Island's Southern Ocean Lodge listed second in UK Conde Nast Travel Awards
by: LAUREN NOVAK
From: The Advertiser September 04, 2013 7:16PM

KANGAROO Island's Southern Ocean Lodge has been named the second-best holiday hotel in Australasia and the South Pacific by a major travel magazine.

The UK Conde Nast Travel Awards listed the Lodge second after New Zealand's Huka Lodge, in Taupo.

continues...

[Paulns]

This is a really good article about the potential of Kangaroo Island.
http://www.theislanderonline.com.au/sto ... h/?cs=1273

[Paulns]

The new Sealink Terminal at Penneshaw is almost complete. It's certainly a vast improvement on what was there!!

[Will]

Plans are currently before the state government DAC for a major overhaul of the Kangaroo Island Airport. The plans will involve the construction of a new terminal building as well as extending the runway. The aim is to facilitate the arrival of larger aircraft from markets such as Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

The plans can be visualised here:

http://www.dac.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/ ... ED_opt.pdf

[crawf]

^^Nice stuff, looks pretty decent aswell.

Another major development set for K.I.

Kangaroo Island resort at American River given major project status
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/k ... 7491996700

A FOUR-star, $35 million resort, including a marina and ferry wharf on Kangaroo Island has been given major project status.

The resort, to be built at American River on the tourist island’s northeast about 30 minutes from the ferry port of Penneshaw, will feature 200 beds, shops, restaurants, a new ferry terminal and boat ramp.

The project, which is expected to create about 100 jobs, has been granted major development status by the State Government, but must still undergo public consultation.

Adelaide developer City and Central Consulting expects construction to begin early next year and be complete by March 2017.

Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the 30ha resort would include 160 hotel rooms, 40 villas, two restaurants, bars, a spa, fitness centre, kids club, conference facilities and an outdoor activity centre.

Kangaroo Island Commissioner Wendy Campana said the 100 expected jobs would account for about a fifth of the total tourism employment on the island.

The resort is City and Central Consulting’s first venture outside of Thailand, where it has developed one of that country’s largest resorts on Phuket island.

CCD Hotel and Resorts chief executive officer Paul Mercer said the American River development would “enhance the reputation and profile of the island internationally and also act as a boost to the South Australian economy generally, helping to grow visitor numbers”.

It is understood a ferry operator has not yet been contracted.

Kangaroo Island Council Mayor Peter Clements said the project would help to sustain year-round business opportunities on the island.

“The project is a much-needed boost for the island and ... demonstrates the building confidence of investors in the future of our island and community,” he said.

Mr Clements said the council would work to ensure that the development did not have an “undesirable impact on (the) pristine environment” of the island.

“A development of this scale requires much planning, care and sensitivity to ensure that ... all that is unique about our island is not lost or devalued in any way,” he said.

Ms Campana said the major development process was “the most rigorous” assessment available under the Development Act.


A major resort is set to be built at American River on Kangaroo Island.
Opposition tourism spokesman David Ridgway said he expected it would be a “lengthy process” to gain final approval for the development, given the environmental considerations.

Mr Ridgway said the development would attract more people to the island, which would create more demand for access either by sea or air.

In February, the State Government pledged $3.5 million to upgrade the Kingscote Airport and asked the Commonwealth to contribute $13.5 million to the redevelopment.

A spokeswoman for Assistant Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Jamie Briggs said the Kangaroo Island Council was preparing an application for funding under the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund, which closed at the end of July.

[claybro]

Good news....now for a direct ferry from Port Adelaide, stopping at Glenelg....cue the chirping crickets.

[Ho Really]

Plans are currently before the state government DAC for a major overhaul of the Kangaroo Island Airport. The plans will involve the construction of a new terminal building as well as extending the runway. The aim is to facilitate the arrival of larger aircraft from markets such as Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

$9m Boost For Kangaroo Island Tourism
James Hall - AAP

Kangaroo Island might be set for a tourism boost, with a major airport upgrade to enable more direct flights to the South Australian Hot Spot.

The federal government is providing $9 million to expand the airport’s runway and passenger terminal to accommodate larger flights from Melbourne and Sydney from mid-2017.

The investment is expected to return almost $30 million to the local economy and create about 250 jobs within five years, Cities Minister Jamie Briggs says.

Cheers

[neoballmon]

As great as it is for the island, how much demand would there really be from interstate tourists to come solely to KI, as opposed to Adelaide and take the Sealink?

[rhino]

The investment is expected to return almost $30 million to the local economy and create about 250 jobs within five years, Cities Minister Jamie Briggs says.

Someone should tell Jamie Briggs that there are no cities on Kangaroo Island

[Norman]

As great as it is for the island, how much demand would there really be from interstate tourists to come solely to KI, as opposed to Adelaide and take the Sealink?

Maybe the same demographic that currently catch flights to places like Hamilton Island?

[Wayno]

You can almost guarantee additional KI resorts will be built as a result of direct east coast flights. Then will come improved roads. Well overdue in my opinion. It may also put competitive pressure on Sealink to lower prices...

[Hooligan]

I've been told by a KI local that the wharves at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw are currently leased to Sealink from the SA government so Sealink don't let anyone else use them.

Apparently the lease runs out in the next couple of years so it could be interesting if they simply renew the lease, or change the conditions of the lease to let others into the ferry game on the best route.

[Wayno]

From InDaily

Green-light for multi-million-dollar KI golf course

A long-mooted luxury golf course and tourism resort on Kangaroo Island – originally designed by Greg Norman - has been green-lit, with development authorisation signed off by the Governor.

The Kangaroo Island Golf Resort proposal – originally billed as a $30 million venture – was declared a major development in 2014, with approval to proceed granted today.

The Programmed Turnpoint Pty Ltd development on the Dudley Peninsula – between Pelican Lagoon and Pennington Bay at the eastern end of the island – is mooted to create up to 50 full-time jobs once up and running.

An environmental report on the project said “the internationally renowned Australian golf legend [Greg Norman Golf Design] was appointed to layout the course”.

However, it’s understood the final design will go out tender, with the developers expecting strong interest from a field of international designers.

Planning Minister John Rau said the development would enhance “one of our best known tourism regions”.

“Now it will also have a world-class 18-hole, championship-length golf course, associated international standard practice facilities and a clubhouse with dining and functions facilities,” he said.

It will also include accommodation lodges, with 20 twin-bedroom suites.

“We expect that, once built, the resort will greatly benefit tourism,” Rau said.

“The Government’s vision for Kangaroo Island is clear and this is another step towards achieving that.”

Recently-appointed Kangaroo Island Commissioner Wendy Campana said the golf course would be a “terrific asset”, complementing a planned airport upgrade, which “will provide ready access to interstate and international tourists to come to the Island to play golf”.

“Kangaroo Island has so much to offer and it’s great that Programmed Turnpoint Pty Ltd has recognised this and is investing in the Island.”