Streaky Bay Council seeking to lease land for $20.7m tourism and foreshore development

An SA council has unveiled huge plans for a $21m foreshore upgrade with pool and accommodation cabins – if it can lease the land.

"New cabins area" at the proposed $20.7m Streaky Bay Foreshore Park upgrade. Picture: Supplied

A massive $20.7m development proposed by Streaky Bay Council would create 85 jobs and enhance amenities to “meet four-star tourist park standards” under a plan it says would bring in $29.8m a year.

A new swimming pool, children’s playground, BBQ, accommodation cabins and waterpark would see the Streaky Bay Tourism Foreshore Park – owned by G’Day Group – become one of South Australia’s premier tourist parks, but only if council can obtain a long-term lease of the land.

Mayor Travis Barber said there was a “pressing need” to upgrade the facilities that would soon house 185,000 guests per year, but that the key priority for council was to secure the park’s future by “gaining control of the land” – currently owned by the state government.

A new swimming pool, children's playground, BBQ facilities and waterpark have been proposed in the $20.7m development. Picture: Supplied

“We acknowledge the feedback received regarding the park’s prime location being compromised by ageing infrastructure, highlighting the pressing need for investment,” Mr Barber said.

“To ensure the future of the caravan park and the future of tourism in Streaky Bay, the park needs an upgrade.

“It’s important to note that this is just one option under consideration. The key priority for the council is to secure the park’s future by gaining control of the land.

“Given that 22 per cent of the council’s revenue is derived from the caravan park, it’s imperative to safeguard this revenue source.”

Streaky Bay Council is currently seeking community input on potentially acquiring the land, a move it described as “pivotal” in ensuring both the park’s longevity and exploring opportunities for significant investments.

The development would see the park become one of SA's premier tourist parks. Picture: Supplied

Council is trying to secure a long-term lease, something its been working on with the past two governments.

However, Mr Barber was optimistic about their latest attempt, saying the current relationship was “very good”.

“I’m very optimistic – we’ve had nothing but positive talks,” he said.

“We’ve got a very good relationship with them. This would be a really positive thing for our town.”

Community consultation via a survey closes on March 15.

Originally published as Streaky Bay Council seeking to lease land for $20.7m tourism and foreshore development