Designs revealed for Mistere Kangaroo Island’s luxury eco-tourism resort at Nepean Bay
PLANS for a luxury eco-tourism property on Kangaroo Island — complete with imported caravans, sculpture garden, a function area and cafe — have been released for public comment.
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PLANS for a luxury eco-tourism property on Kangaroo Island — owned by a Singapore-based casino-executive — reveal waterside villas, a cafe with panoramic views, spa, futuristic eco-capsules and a sculpture garden.
Designs for Mistere Kangaroo Island’s development at Nepean Bay, to cost more than $10 million, have been released for public comment.
There will also be two lodges, vintage and modern imported Airstream caravans, a pool, tennis courts, lavender field, orchards and farm animals on the site, which the company says aims to “put visitors back in touch with the natural environment”.
Mistere’s director Andrew MacDonald, who works for Las Vegas Sands Global Gaming Operations as senior vice president and chief casino office, is based at the landmark Marina Bay Sands.
The State Commission Assessment Panel is considering the proposal.
Mr MacDonald said Kangaroo Island needed more accommodation to satisfy tourist demand, and his company would focus on the higher end of the market to target people “looking for a quality experience”.
“Kangaroo Island attracts both international and domestic tourists,” Mr MacDonald said.
“I’d like to think given my experience in Asian integrated resorts that I can add value in the way we position Mistere.”
Mistere bought the 100ha site on Min-Oil Rd last year, for $1.5 million.
Tourists are already able to stay at the site’s main lodge, and work on the caravans, eco-tents and villas will follow once the company has approval for what it says will be a “multi-year project”.
It is already working with Greening Australia to revegetate part of its land and encourage an increase in the wildlife calling the area home.
Documents lodged with the commission show the plans aim to provide “a unique rural living experience”.
“The development also proposes to continue farming aspects associated with the original use of the land, including a lavender field, orchard and grazing field for sheep and goats, as well as the keeping of chickens and ducks in order to add to the guest experience,” the application states.
The proposal includes solar panels and battery banks, and potentially wind turbines in the future.
The accommodation is the latest in a string of eco-tourism developments under Mistere’s Regal Retreats brand, which also features sites in Kingscliff and Urliup, in New South Wales.
Kangaroo Island Mayor Peter Clements said locals were supportive of the development.
“The people that are talking to me about it are keen because it’s something completely different from other tourism and accommodation on the island,” Mr Clements said.
“It’s very laid back … as if you were opening up your door of your loungeroom and being able to see nature’s wonder there at your feet.”
Mr MacDonald began his career as a dealer at Australia’s first legal casino in Tasmania, and later worked at Adelaide Casino.
The company’s plans are available for public comment until October 16.
Visit saplanningcommission.sa.gov.au/scap
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michelle.etheridge@news.com.au