Louth Island could be the site of the state’s newest eco resort
Louth Island could be the newest holiday hotspot on the Eyre Peninsula with its owner hoping to build a luxury eco resort with 30 villas, spa and even a desal plant. See the plans.
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Louth Island could be the newest holiday hotspot on the Eyre Peninsula with its owner wanting to build a luxury resort.
Owner of the island, Che Metcalfe has lodged a set of plans outlining his intentions for the self-sufficient accommodation.
The resort, named Ika Shima, will consist of 30 villas, a day spa and desalination plant along with other resort-like facilities.
Ika Shima’s already established website outlines that the island will “collect and produce its own water via solar powered salt water desalination”.
The resort will be carbon neutral and has been “designed from the ground up to be sustainable and eco friendly”.
“All power on the island is generated from solar and stored in batteries or as hydrogen for later use,” the website states.
Electric cars, among other electric modes of transport, will be on offer to ensure, while on the island, guests won’t be burning fossil fuels.
The island, 18.5km northeast of Port Lincoln, will also be available to anyone for corporate events and weddings.
Proposed building images by Baldwin O’Bryan Architects show bold modern buildings that blend in with the natural environment.
The preliminary site investigation report, put forward by project services firm Fyfe, outline the plan to establish an eco resort “promoting sustainability”.
A previous application shows that planning consent was granted for the construction of a mezzanine and glass atrium to an existing building in September last year.
It describes that the ground floor will be used as a cafe and bar while the mezzanine level will be host to “workers accommodation”.
The staff lodgings will consist of five bedrooms, each with their own ensuite.
Louth island has previously been used for sheep grazing and has been owned by various people and the public trustee.
A site inspection carried out by Fyfe in September last year found ruins of an old historic house, shearing shed, movable sleeping quarters and piles of scrap metal.
Only a short distance from the mainland, guests will only be able to access the island by private boat or barge transfer.
Public consultation is currently open with anyone allowed to submit a representation on the PlanSA website. Consultation closes on February 14.
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