Industry Update - Kangaroo Island bushfire update

Kangaroo Island has been devastated by bushfire on Friday 3 January 2020 in what was an extraordinarily bad day for South Australia. The situation is constantly changing and the state's Country Fire Service and emergency services are taking the lead on advice and information.

Tragically, it has been confirmed that lives have been lost. Our thoughts are with their families and friends - and the entire Kangaroo Island community - at this difficult time.

At this point, more than 100,000 hectares have been burnt, as well as an unknown number of properties. The SATC has received reports of damage to key tourism infrastructure, including confirmation of substantial damage to Southern Ocean Lodge. 

There are unconfirmed reports of damage to the KI Visitor & Information Centre, KI Wilderness Retreat, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and other key tourism assets, as well as homes and other properties on the island. More information is expected to be provided today.

The SATC will continue to liaise with the Country Fire Service (CFS) and other government agencies, as well as tourism authorities and operators on the island to provide whatever support is required.

When the time is right, we will work with tourism operators and our industry colleagues to help rebuild this very important sector, and to assist with all of those people impacted. However, initially, the island first needs to heal and recover.

We are also still working with those impacted by the Adelaide Hills bushfires just before Christmas, and our thoughts are with them and on how we might be able to assist in their recovery.