Granite Island Causeway

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:49): My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Can the minister update members on the exciting announcement outlined in yesterday's state budget regarding the Granite Island Causeway and what it might mean for tourism in Victor Harbor and the broader Fleurieu region?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:49): I thank the honourable member for his ongoing interest in regional tourism. The Marshall Liberal government is committed to building a better future for South Australians. The recent state budget is delivering a massive infrastructure program and record investments in education and regional roads. We are also investing in our key growth sectors and one of those is, of course, tourism.

We know that the regions really punch above their weight when it comes to attracting visitor dollars. About 42 per cent of visitor expenditure is in our regions, despite only 23 per cent of the state's population. That is why, as part of the Marshall Liberal government's commitment to boosting regional tourism in the beautiful Fleurieu, one of its major drawcards, Victor Harbor, was the focus of a recent announcement by the Premier that $20 million will be committed to the Granite Island Causeway and securing its future.

I have a particular affection for Victor Harbor and know firsthand the wonderful amenity and equally untapped potential of this beautiful seaside town. Over time I have watched the town develop, with new experiences and offerings and increased visitation coupled with that growth. We need to make sure that we keep delivering world-class services and experiences to capitalise on every regional tourism opportunity. I am, therefore, thrilled that Granite Island is just one small component of this government's record level of investment in regional infrastructure.

The Granite Island Causeway has been in desperate need of repairs and an upgrade for many years, neglected by the former Labor government. The causeway has been a key piece of tourism infrastructure for our state for more than 150 years, along with the historic horse-drawn tram. It's a jewel in the Fleurieu Peninsula's tourism crown.

We know there is, in particular, a great opportunity for the cruise market in Victor Harbor. While the causeway is not an infrastructure solution to hosting visiting cruise ships, it will be invaluable to enhance the experience for visiting cruise ship passengers, and that is what this announcement is all about, putting the infrastructure in place to capitalise on the huge opportunity that is the visitor economy.

There is a high appeal for the destination of Victor Harbor from local cruise lines such as P&O and, as some may be aware, smaller expedition vessels that have visited before. In fact, another is due to visit in the 2020-21 cruise season. The Coral Adventurer, carrying approximately 120 people, is circumnavigating the country and is planning to stop at Victor Harbor as one of its planned 35 stops around Australia.

Large cruise lines require a mainland solution for disembarking before we can actively promote Victor Harbor as a destination of choice, and the SATC is continuing to work with the City of Victor Harbor, the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism to ensure that the required infrastructure is ready and that logistical requirements such as transport and passenger welcome programs can be delivered.

It will, of course, be imperative that the new infrastructure design and location meet the needs of the cruise lines to ensure long-term success and future scheduled visits to Victor Harbor. In the meantime, we can continue to actively promote the destination for cruise lines now as a day trip from Adelaide, and it's pleasing to see that daytrip visitation to Victor Harbor over the last five years is up some 9 per cent.

Victor Harbor is but one of the many coastal gems on the Fleurieu and visitors really are spoilt for choice when deciding how to fill out a day's itinerary in that beautiful region. Over the last 10 years, domestic visitation to Victor Harbor has grown by 36 per cent, and for our international visitors the last five years has seen visitor nights up 34 per cent, showing that international visitors are staying longer and clearly wanting to see and do more.

With respect to the recent announcement, a study is currently underway to determine the optimum solution for the causeway, from a range of possible solutions that will be informed through key stakeholder input. Following the study, the construction of a permanent solution will commence in 2019-20 and will be undertaken across two years.

I am extremely excited about realising the potential of the peninsula as a region, as well as Victor Harbor and Granite Island more specifically. This region is a key contributor to our visitor economy, and this government is investing in the infrastructure needed to attract visitors to deliver an excellent visitor experience and to enjoy all the jobs and economic benefits that will flow from that investment.