CAPE BAUER ECOTOURISM RESORT

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (14:41): My question is to the Minister for Urban Development and Planning: will he advise honourable members of the current status of the proposed Cape Bauer Ecotourism Resort near Streaky Bay?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management) (14:41): I thank the Hon. John Gazzola for his question. Members may recall that in September last year a proposal to build an ecotourism village near Cape Bauer on Eyre Peninsula was declared a major development, triggering the most stringent assessment process available under South Australia's Development Act.

Cape Bauer (about 15 kilometres north-west of Streaky Bay on Eyre Peninsula) is recognised for its natural clifftop scenery. In fact, I think it is one of the most spectacular parts of the coastline in this country. The Eyre Peninsula Coastal Development Strategy, which covers the proposed development location, allows medium-scale tourism developments in coastal environments to be considered only after a thorough assessment of the landscape, cultural, social and economic impacts or benefits. It is only appropriate then that the major development provisions be used to assess this proposed $31 million ecotourism resort.

The proponent (Streaky Bay Joint Venture Group Pty Ltd) is proposing to build a resort comprising hotel/motel style accommodation, 22 self-contained serviced coastal villas, conference facilities, restaurant and commercial areas. The project also includes 30 individual dwellings on small allotments as owner-occupied holiday home accommodation, a rural residential land division of approximately 300 allotments and significant areas of habitat restoration and revegetation.

The declaration as a major development followed consideration of the views of the Streaky Bay council. The project was also referred to the commonwealth minister for environment (the Hon. Peter Garrett MP) under the provisions of the commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The commonwealth advised the proponent last month that the project does not warrant formal assessment by the federal government.

This has allowed the independent Development Assessment Commission to take the lead role in determining the level of scrutiny required as a major development. After visiting the site and receiving advice from state government agencies including the Environment Protection Authority, and the Department for Environment and Heritage, the independent Development Assessment Commission determined that a public environmental report is required.

The public environmental report (also known as a targeted EIS) is required to respond to a detailed set of guidelines issued by the Development Assessment Commission, identifying 139 issues to be addressed. The land proposed for Cape Bauer tourist development is currently zoned primary production and coastal zone. The environmental report will determine the impacts of the proposal on this coastal environment and how these are to be addressed by the proponent in the construction and management of the project. As part of this assessment the proponent has been asked to:

Justify the rationale for the proposal from an environmental, economic, social and sustainability perspective, including the reasons for its proposed location, scale, staging and its definition as a form of ecotourism.

Outline how visitors, residents and tourists will access the coast and the management measures proposed to prevent or limit soil erosion and damage to native vegetation around access points and to minimise impacts on sensitive coastal environments.

Identify ways in which power use can be minimised or supplemented, particularly through the use of alternative energy sources, improved efficiency and conservation measures.

Outline how the project will promote tourism and investment opportunities in the area.

After completion of the public environmental report, it will be released for a six-week consultation period, allowing for submissions from members of the public. A public meeting will be held at Streaky Bay and the views of the community conveyed to the proponent. After this time the proponent is required to respond to submissions received during the public consultation process. The final assessment is then to be completed by me as the minister and a decision by the Governor.