Did you know that although only 23% of South Australians live in the State’s regions yet these areas account for 44% of tourism expenditure?
One of the most iconic regions in South Australia is the Eyre Peninsula renowned for its rugged coastline.
Regional Development Australia’s Eyre Peninsula Destination Management Plan 2025 includes the “Eyes on Eyre” initiative. This inter-governmental strategy aims to enhance the Eyre Peninsula as a remarkable destination, underpinned by the character of its local communities coupled with the conservation of its pristine environment.
A key element of this initiative is “Visitor Experience and Camping Nodes” that have consistent and high-quality infrastructure/facilities that promote increased visitation, enhanced visitor experience and revenue, while conserving the environment.
Peter Cominos has responded by proposing a diverse tourist accommodation development near Talia Caves on the Eyre Peninsula. The development includes cabins, a campground, an administration building, a camp kitchen, a workshop, BBQ facilities, laundry, toilets and a playground.
The incredible environmental and scenic attributes of the site are to be made accessible in a sensitive manner. There will be enhanced site management through additional native vegetation plantings, sand drift stabilization and flora/fauna pest management.
The Regional Assessment Panel (RAP) considered the environmental impact of this development very carefully. Peter amended the proposal to reduce the number of camping sites, as well as providing more and more information over a two-year period to allay any concerns.
In the end, the RAP found that the proposal satisfied the relevant provisions of the Code in terms of scale, modification of the landform, clearance of vegetation, coastal erosion and sand drift.
A shout-out to Dr Briony Horner (Succession Ecology), Matt Launer (Black Oak Environmental) and Simone Fogarty (Simone Fogarty Consulting) for help along the way.
This diverse tourism offering will certainly get more Eyes on Eyre.
