Bob Harrison’s 36-hole Nora Creina Resort project approved.

6 Dec 2017

by Darius Oliver

The long touted Nora Creina golf development in South Australia is a step closer to realization, following last week’s announcement that development approval had been granted by the state government.

The project includes two golf courses designed by Bob Harrison, formerly of Greg Norman Golf Course Design, as well as associated tourism facilities.

Conditions on the approval require additional reporting on matters of flora and fauna prior to the start of construction. We understand that the Proponent hopes to have the necessary study work and reports submitted sometime in mid-2018.

News Release from Deputy Premier John Rau.

The Nora Creina Golf Course and Tourism Resort proposal by Justin Scanlon and Damian Scanlon has been granted provisional development approval.

The proposal is located on the coast near Nora Creina, between Robe and Beachport in the South East region of the State. It seeks to establish a high quality golfing and tourism experience consisting of two 18-hole international standard ‘links style’ golf courses and a Clubhouse.

Since 2014, the proposal has undergone a major development (Public Environmental Report) process, which is the most rigorous assessment pathway in the State.

The proposal will also be assessed in conjunction with the Commonwealth Government, due to potential effects on the nationally threatened Little Dip Spider Orchid and Orange-bellied Parrot.

The project is expected to cost $20 million and create 33 jobs in South Australia, including 25 construction jobs. Once operational the Nora Creina Golf Course and Tourism Resort is expected to create an additional 170 full time jobs in South Australia, with 147 of these located in the Limestone Coast region.

It is expected to increase international and domestic tourism spending by $4.5 million each year.

Background

The proposal also includes a Tourism and Function Centre, a range of premium quality tourist accommodation options, including exclusive 7-star retreats, and a wellness centre.

The Tourism Centre would promote the Aboriginal heritage, local produce and attractions of the region.

Additional recreation opportunities, such as diving, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing and walking trails would also be provided.

The entrance to the resort would include a ‘boutique’ Wagyu beef farm and vineyard to provide a ‘rural Australia’ first impression and a backdrop to the golf course.

The proposal will be a high profile tourist destination which aligns with South Australia’s Strategic Plan and the Planning Strategy.

A decision on the coastal protection, native fauna and water supply aspects of the proposal must be address prior to final approval being granted.

Further investigations will be undertaken with guidance provided by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, before final approval can be given and construction can commence.

The major development process is used for large projects which have major environmental, social or economic importance for South Australia.

Quotes attributable to Planning Minister John Rau

The proposed Nora Creina Golf Course aligns with Limestone Coast Region Plan which seeks to balance economic development with the environmental and cultural assets of the region.

The proposal has been modelled on the Barnbougle Golf Course in Tasmania, which has proven to be an economically and environmentally successful development.

It is anticipated the proposal would be constructed over a 5-year period with a total expenditure of around $20 million, providing a significant boost to the economy of the region.

Quotes attributable to Tourism Minister Leon Bignell

Australian golf tourism is estimated to be worth $1 billion each year, yet South Australia does not have any public golf courses recognised in Australia’s top 20 facilities.

The Nora Creina Golf Course, and the new course plans at Kangaroo Island, aim to change this and will be a huge drawcard for high-end international visitors, further boosting our record $6.3 billion visitor economy.

We’ve already seen the massive difference a course like Barnbougle has made to the Northern Tasmanian coastline and we want to capitalise on the growing international golf tourism market.

Nora Creina presents a fantastic opportunity to position the South East as a must-see global destination, expanding the local economy and creating hundreds of new jobs.

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