Ian Hunter MLC
Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation

Leon Bignell MP
Minister for Tourism

The State Government has released a nature-based tourism strategy which aims to inject $350 million a year into the state’s economy and create 1000 new jobs by 2020.

Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter and Tourism Minister Leon Bignell launched the strategy along with a five-point plan of action today.

“The strategy will support existing nature-based tourism ventures, create new world-class experiences, and raise awareness of the state’s natural attractions,” Mr Hunter said.

“South Australia has amazing natural assets and tourism opportunities like nowhere else in the world and we intend to build on these with further investment.

“We will be highlighting tourism opportunities in parks and ways for local businesses and communities to capitalise on niche markets and existing government ventures.

“For example, the State Government has invested $5 million in the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, an amazing five-day walk which will open up opportunities for businesses offering accommodation and guided tours.

“Next, we will look at partnering with traditional owners and local government to develop more stand-out multi-day walks in areas such as the Flinders Ranges, along the Heysen Trail and on the Murray River.

“We will also be looking for ways of boosting the tourism status of our parks, such as the possible nomination of the Flinders Ranges for World Heritage status.

“We are already investing more than $10 million in projects which will bring more people to the Adelaide Hills region and will help make it an international mountain bike destination.”

Mr Bignell said in this year’s budget, the State Government invested $35 million over two years to market South Australia nationally and internationally.

“Tourism in South Australia is already worth $5.4 billion a year and employs 32,000 people. We want this to grow to $8 billion and 41,000 jobs by 2020,” he said.

“From shark cage diving in Port Lincoln, to the stunning wildlife on Kangaroo Island and the breath-taking Flinders Ranges and Outback, we already have some of the world’s best naturebased tourism experiences.

“By continuing to support ambitious ideas and cutting-edge experiences we will further cement our place as a destination of choice for international and interstate visitors.

“As part of this action plan, we will also be building on ways we can further link nature with our economic priority of premium food and wine from our clean environment.”

Mr Hunter said the State Government would hold regional forums and engage with traditional owners, businesses and community groups and a whole-of-government task force would be established to drive the action plan, including conducting the state’s first summit on naturebased
tourism.

The strategy and action plan were launched today at the newly completed mountain bike and bushwalking trail in Cleland Conservation Park.

The trail links the Crafers Interchange with Mount Lofty Summit, providing an access route for both mountain bikers and bushwalkers.

The State Government worked with Adelaide Hills Council to formalise the route, which allows riders to avoid the traffic of Mount Lofty Summit Road.

The new $150,000 link includes almost 700m of new trail and the resurfacing of 800m of existing track.

For more information on the nature-based tourism strategy and action plan, visit www.parks.sa.gov.au