As South Australia's regions continue to enjoy record-breaking occupancy rates, another 12 regional tourism businesses will receive grants to 'soar even higher'.
The latest round of the Marshall Liberal Government's Tourism Industry Development Fund grants includes a new scenic flight experience in the Fleurieu and luxury accommodation in Clare Valley, one of the state's world-class wine regions.
It brings the total number of projects funded under the program to 42, with a combined value of $25 million – spread across all 11 of South Australia's tourism regions.
Premier Steven Marshall said the TIDF is giving regional economies a real boost, creating nearly 700 jobs to date.
"One of the key aims of the TIDF is to create new jobs and develop skills and with project applications flooding into the SATC, this number will continue to rise," Premier Marshall said.
"We know from the latest Tourism Research Australia data that January 2021 has been the best month since the pandemic began. Visits, nights and expenditure were the highest for a month since March 2020.
"These results are on the back of a strong intrastate market and recovering interstate market so it's great that we've got a pipeline of new and exciting experiences to keep visitors coming back to our regions.
"All of our 42 TIDF projects will give visitors a multitude of reasons to travel to South Australia and our regions to boost our economy."
Martyn Smith, managing director and owner of Adelaide Biplanes on the Fleurieu Peninsula said the business's $28,517 grant will help them invest in offering the most awesome flying experiences imaginable.
"Like every other tourism operator out there, once international and interstate borders closed, we lost almost all of our customers overnight which was absolutely devastating," Mr Smith said.
"With an inevitable slow return for the aviation industry we have fought hard as a family to keep our passion alive to share with others into the future.
"The TIDF grant has allowed us to invest in upgrades to our 1940 DH82 Tiger Moth and 8KCAB Decathlon in the form of complete fabric restoration. This will help us continue to offer the most beautiful, awe-inspiring and unique vintage experiences to local, interstate and international visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula. We are excited for the future ahead!"
Jim Barry Wines in the Clare Valley will be receiving a $220,000 grant for The Mill Street Retreat. The $770,000 project will see four, one-bedroom luxury apartments built in the heart of this beautiful wine region.
Peter Barry, managing director at Jim Barry Wines said the TIDF funding will help attract high value travellers from around Australia to the region, boosting the local economy.
"I would like to thank Steven Marshall and his government for having the vision and foresight to deliver this funding. It has given us the confidence to take the gamble and develop this boutique accommodation experience in the Clare Valley," Mr Barry said.
"The Mill Street Retreat will deliver new holiday apartments to a region which is desperately short on accommodation options, especially at the high end. It will also create new jobs and genuine employment pathways for the Clare Valley community. We have used local tradespeople throughout the development, further stimulating the local economy."
Successful grant recipients:
Region |
Project |
Grant |
Total project worth |
Adelaide Hills |
Oakwood Retreat - renovate and refurbish an existing building to create private upscale, boutique accommodation |
$39,000 |
$130,000 |
Barossa |
Lambert Estate Wines – expansion of onsite experiences including construction of a new VIP tasting room, a pizzeria, and the establishment of new estate trails for self-guided electric cart tours |
$232,447 |
$774,823 |
Clare Valley |
Pink Lake Tiny House - establishment of two tiny houses, two bell tents, and shared guest facilities at Lochiel |
$91,489 |
$304,965 |
Clare Valley |
The Mill Street Retreat - development of four one-bedroom luxury accommodation apartments in Clare |
$220,000 |
$770,000 |
Clare Valley |
Bukirk – establishment of a new tiny house, outdoor pool, entertaining space, and welcome centre for guests |
$141,654 |
$472,182 |
Eyre Peninsula |
Deco Beach House - renovation of art deco house in Port Lincoln to cater for up to 8 guests, including a swimming pool with landscaped outdoor area, garden and barbecue area |
$119,405 |
$398,016 |
Fleurieu Peninsula |
Adelaide Biplanes – Upgrades of 1940 De Havilland Tiger Moth plane and 2004 American Champion Super Decathlon plane for scenic flights, and paintwork upgrade on company vehicle |
$28,517 |
$95,057 |
Flinders Ranges & Outback |
Flinders Food Co – expansion including a new outdoor alfresco dining area catering for an extra 55 customers and for function use, and a children's sensory play area |
$92,860 |
$309,535 |
Limestone Coast |
Mount Gambier Apartments - construction of two new luxury wheelchair accessible apartments in Mount Gambier |
$158,181 |
$527,272 |
Limestone Coast |
Mount Gambier Hotel - refurbishment and upgrade of 16 rooms |
$336,740 |
$1,122,500 |
Murray River, Lakes & Coorong |
Murray Bridge Tourist Park – construction of three luxury self-contained cabins, including one with disability access |
$113,126 |
$425,505 |
Riverland |
Riverland Classic Limousines – establish a new luxury touring and transfer experience to explore the Riverland region |
$56,745 |
$189,150 |
The $20 million fund runs until 31 March 2022 or until all funds have been allocated.
For more information about the TIDF visit: www.tourism.sa.gov.au/support/tourism-industry-development-fund
