Fleurieu Peninsula | Developments & News

Developments in Regional South Australia. Including Port Lincoln, Victor Harbor, Wallaroo, Gawler and Mount Barker.
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rhino
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Fleurieu Peninsula | Developments & News

#1 Post by rhino » Mon Jul 02, 2007 10:27 am

An article in today's Advertiser made me wonder what these new owners will do. (my bold)

ONE of South Australia's most spectacular coastal properties has been sold in a multimillion-dollar land deal that could pave the way for an "eco-tourism" village on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The 3046ha Balquhidder Station has been bought by an Australian syndicate for about $20 million.
It is understood the family-owned sheep and cattle station was bought by interstate investors.

Its future is unclear but zoning allows for small-scale tourism development. Abutting Deep Creek Conservation Park and 25 minutes from Victor Harbor, the property has two secluded beaches, 9km of coastline, four creeks and Kangaroo Island views.

At its highest point, the undulating landholding rises 235m above sea level with uninterrupted views of Backstairs Passage.

The McGregor family, who have owned the property for 50 years, would not comment on the sale.

The family advertised the property on a company website as an "exclusive retreat" that is "ideally suitable for 5-star eco-tourism" and has potential for a "championship golf course".

The property, named after the Scottish village where folk hero and outlaw Rob Roy died, has more than 15,000 sheep and 83 cattle.

It has 76 separate titles, most of 30ha to 50ha, with the largest 81ha and the smallest 9.3ha – all with road frontages. It is believed the property has been sold as a whole.

Selling agent Peter Taylor, of Elders, said there were more than 300 inquiries into the property with 15 serious expressions of interest lodged.

"The final price was very satisfactory; we said around $20 million and it was in that area – the owners were very pleased and that's the main thing," he said.

Settlement is expected to be in August.

Yankalilla Council senior planner Matt Robertson said any major development plan would be assessed on its merits.
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Re: Balquhidder - eco tourism or quick profits?

#2 Post by stumpjumper » Tue Jul 03, 2007 7:19 pm

I wondered the same thing, rhino. Have a look at the property on Google Earth. It's basically the whole foot of the Fleurieu Peninsula, including secluded coves etc. A fantastic piece of land.

The present (until settlement) owner, seeing the real potential of the land, has had the foresight to create over 70 separate titles on what he had inherited as a sheep and cattle station. So by selling for about $20 mill he has sold for about the unsubdividded land value (around $6K per hectare for the 3000+ ha property. But he's sold quickly and without risk.

Apparently the groundwork for a golf course has been done somewhere on the property. I wouldn't expect much in teh way of mnarina developments, though. The coast is quite exposed and you'd need to blast even a small harbour into any of the creeks.

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Re: Balquhidder - eco tourism or quick profits?

#3 Post by SRW » Mon Jul 16, 2007 8:55 pm

Article in Sunday Mail:
Stoked with SA. . . so media magnate pays $25m for property
Renato Castello
15 July 2007

MEDIA magnate Kerry Stokes has bought a huge chunk of the Fleurieu Peninsula in a property deal worth up to $25 million.

The Channel Seven boss's private company, Australian Capital Equity, has reportedly paid the huge price for the Balquhidder Station, at Parawa in the South-East.

The Sunday Mail revealed last week the McGregor family had sold the spectacular sheep station in a multimillion-dollar deal to interstate investors.

The exact price was not disclosed but industry sources estimated it at up to $25 million. The 3064ha property had been in the family for 50 years.

ACI property director Steve Wise told the Sunday Mail the company would continue to use the land for farming.

"Balquhidder is just an exceptional piece of land to do that," he said. "The quality and size of the piece of land like that don't come up that often. The proximity to the holdings that we have got means it is a good fit."

Mr Stokes's company also owns a major livestock station on Kangaroo Island.

Balquhidder has more than 15,000 sheep and 83 cattle but Mr Wise said the firm would be "inclined" to farm cattle.

The McGregor family divided the property into 76 separate titles, all with road frontages, but the property has been bought as a whole.

The family had advertised the property on a company website as an "exclusive retreat" that would be suitable for eco-tourism.

The property abuts Deep Creek Conservation Park, has two secluded beaches, 9km of coastline, four creeks and Kangaroo Island views.

But Mr Wise said it was "much too early" to say whether tourism would be a part of future plans.

SA Farmers Federation past-president Jeff Klitscher said Balquhidder had good prospects for grazing.

"It is a very assured area, even last year in the drought . . . you are much better off along that coastline," he said. "Beef has got a very good outlook in the next three to five years and I think they will do well out of it.

"It's a lovely area and I wouldn't mind having a kilometre of it myself."

Finnis Liberal MP Michael Pengilly said the purchase was a "sign of confidence" in the agricultural industry.

Settlement is expected to be finalised in September.
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Re: Balquhidder - eco tourism or quick profits?

#4 Post by rhino » Tue Jul 17, 2007 10:38 am

I believe TrailsSA is also negotiating with the new owners, to re-route the Heysen Trail through the property, where it currently uses public roads to skirt it. Having hiked this section of the trail only a few weeks ago, I think that a re-route through Balquhidder would be exceptional.
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New Rapid Bay Jetty

#5 Post by Wayno » Wed May 28, 2008 11:56 am

http://victorharbor.yourguide.com.au/ne ... 77992.aspx
Builder chosen for jetty
28/05/2008 8:24:00 AM
RAPID BAY - Almost three and a half years after it was closed to the public, plans for a new Rapid Bay Jetty have edged a step closer, with the design and construction contract being awarded last week.
The State Transport Minister, Patrick Conlon, announced that South Australian civil engineering and construction firm Bardavcol won the contract, a year after tenders for the project closed.

Rated as one of the country's top 10 diving spots and built in 1940, the existing jetty was closed in December 2004 after it fell into disrepair.

Plans to build a $3.9 million new jetty were announced in September 2006, after the local community rallied for the future of the jetty.

Glenice Galbraith, a spokesperson for the Friends of the Rapid Bay Jetty, said a petition raised 6000 signatures indicating state-wide support for the jetty.

"It has been a long haul and we've been waiting a long time, but it is good to know the government are pursuing their promise," she said.

Formerly a local business owner, Ms Galbraith said the whole district had been affected by the closure of the jetty, with local tourism and business dropping dramatically.

"I've been in business in the area my whole life and for six months of the year, it just died, so this brings people back for the whole twelve months."

The new 260-metre jetty will be a concrete and steel structure, built parallel to the existing jetty, with more convenient access to the leafy-sea-dragon diving spot.

The plans follow an extensive consultation process between the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure and the local community.

"By working closely with groups including the Friends of Rapid Bay Jetty, we have designed a jetty that best serves the needs of residents and businesses whilst enhancing tourism at what is widely regarded as one of Australia's best fishing and diving sites," Mr Conlon, said.

The Member for Finniss, Michael Pengilly, is hopeful the reinstatement of the diving and fishing hotspot will see a boost to the local economy.

"This issue has taken too long to get started and hopefully now will gain momentum and a good outcome be seen in the not too distant future," he said.

Ms Galbraith said the group was thankful to the government for its community consultation and looks forward to the jetty's completion.

"We're ecstatic…when the first pile goes down, we'll all be celebrating," she said.

Construction of the new jetty is scheduled to begin this spring, weather permitting, with the design to be finalised in the coming months.
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Re: New Rapid Bay Jetty

#6 Post by Ho Really » Wed May 28, 2008 11:59 pm

Thanks for the news Wayno. Sad that the old jetty will just rot (rust) away.

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Re: Fleurieu Peninsula | Developments & News

#7 Post by Janleex0 » Fri Jan 31, 2014 4:16 pm

From today's 'Tiser. There is a render, but unable to post (blocked site). Can someone please do this.

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Re: Fleurieu Peninsula | Developments & News

#8 Post by Wayno » Tue Dec 01, 2015 5:44 pm

Figured this is part of the Fleurieu Peninsula:

From http://www.pir.sa.gov.au:
d’Arenberg development to create 58 new jobs

A new tourism development by iconic family-owned winery d’Arenberg will generate local jobs and create a drawcard for visitors to the region with assistance from a $2 million Regional Development Fund grant.

Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock said that the $11 million ‘d’Arenberg Cube’ winery visitor centre would appeal to a wide variety of visitors, from wine lovers to day trippers.
rubiks-cube.jpg
rubiks-cube.jpg (40.11 KiB) Viewed 20620 times
“The Osborn family has has owned and grown grapes on its McLaren Vale property for over 100 years,” Mr Brock said.

“Their renowned cellar door and restaurant facilities are located there alongside their production facility and are now reaching capacity on a regular basis.

“Up to 150 jobs will be generated during the construction of the new visitor centre with local firms and tradespeople to be sourced for the build.

“Increasing the cellar door size will significantly allow for up to eight times more visitors to that facility, while the new restaurant and function space will be able to cater for a threefold increase.

“The grant will support d’Arenberg to create 58 new ongoing jobs within 18 months of the centre’s opening across the business including customer service, hospitality, and sales.

“The development of the ‘d’Arenberg Cube’ is an investment in the future of the region and South Australia, supporting the state’s economic priorities of Premium food and wine exported to the world and South Australia as a destination of choice for travellers,” Mr Brock said.

Local MP and Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said the new five-storey centre would attract visitors to the region.

“The Cube will feature tasting rooms and a restaurant and will appeal to a wide range of visitors,” Mr Bignell said.

“The new project definitely plays to the strengths of the McLaren Vale area and the 360 degree views from the top floor will show off the incredible Fleurieu Peninsula.

“There is growing demand for South Australia’s regional food and wine and I am sure there will be a great deal of interest from local, interstate and international visitors in seeing the completion of this unique structure.”

Chief Winemaker and Viticulturalist at d’Arenberg Wines, Chester Osborn said that the Regional Development Fund grant would support the core structure building construction, internal fitout, equipment, and grounds and carpark development.

“We’ll be able to progress confidently and on time with this exciting project because of this grant,” Mr Osborn said.

“The new state-of-the-art centre will feature tasting rooms, wine themed experiences, a restaurant and function areas and sales of local produce, as well as our iconic d’Arenberg wines.

“Visitors will be able to enjoy a range of wine experiences over five floors, including different ways to learn about the wine making process, audio visual technology, sensory activities, pairing wine with food and the chance to blend their own wines.

“It will also offer foreign language services, in particular to be able to serve the growing Asian tourism market,” Mr Osborn said.”

The State Government’s Regional Development Fund drives economic growth and productivity by offering grants to boost investment in regional infrastructure and the creation of jobs and new opportunities for regional South Australia.
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Re: Fleurieu Peninsula | Developments & News

#9 Post by Rene » Tue Dec 01, 2015 9:16 pm

Wayno wrote:Figured this is part of the Fleurieu Peninsula:

From http://www.pir.sa.gov.au:
d’Arenberg development to create 58 new jobs

A new tourism development by iconic family-owned winery d’Arenberg will generate local jobs and create a drawcard for visitors to the region with assistance from a $2 million Regional Development Fund grant.

Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock said that the $11 million ‘d’Arenberg Cube’ winery visitor centre would appeal to a wide variety of visitors, from wine lovers to day trippers.
Be interesting if this goes ahead as it would be competing directly with the Council run (current) Information Centre in some ways and they're only about 5 minutes down the road.

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Fleurieu Peninsula | Developments & News

#10 Post by Wayno » Fri Dec 04, 2015 5:50 pm

Rene wrote:Be interesting if this goes ahead as it would be competing directly with the Council run (current) Information Centre in some ways and they're only about 5 minutes down the road.
Well the good news is the D'Arenberg rubiks cube is already underway. Slab is done...
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Re: Fleurieu Peninsula | Developments & News

#11 Post by Rene » Sun Dec 06, 2015 4:40 pm

Wayno wrote:
Rene wrote:Be interesting if this goes ahead as it would be competing directly with the Council run (current) Information Centre in some ways and they're only about 5 minutes down the road.
Well the good news is the D'Arenberg rubiks cube is already underway. Slab is done...
Might have to go for a drive during the week (when it's a bit cooler) and check it out (it's only about 10 mins away).

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Re: Fleurieu Peninsula | Developments & News

#12 Post by [Shuz] » Mon Feb 04, 2019 3:45 pm

Fair Go for Our Regions: Southern Expressway extension would bring real estate, tourism boom, Fleurieu community says

Michelle Etheridge, The Advertiser
February 3, 2019 8:47pm

Extending the Southern Expressway would drive extra tourism and real estate investment, paving the way for an economic boom on the Fleurieu Peninsula, locals say.

Alexandrina Council chief executive Glenn Rappensberg is calling upon the state and federal governments to devise a plan to extend the expressway further south from Noarlunga Downs — at least to Willunga Hill and eventually, beyond Mt Compass.

An extension to Willunga Hill would allow motorists to get from his Goolwa-based district to Adelaide in under an hour, he says, rather than the current 75 minutes, encouraging more people to live in and around the river port town.

“For a sea-change or tree-change community, it would be a first choice destination for housing,” Mr Rappensberg said.

“It’s about sustainable growth from a population and economic perspective.

“By extending it to Willunga Hill, you also provide faster access to McLaren Vale for overseas visitors.”

Kym Burke, managing director of Burke Urban Developments, is among those looking to develop land north of Goolwa for housing.

Alexandrina Council is working on a rezoning plan that could eventually make way for hundreds of extra homes.

Mr Burke said extending the Southern Expressway would make it easier for new residents to get to work in the city or southern suburbs.

“It would be a big thing for the South Coast generally — for the whole district,” Mr Burke said.

Victor Harbor developer Mark Taplin thinks the Southern Expressway should be extended to stimulate growth on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

“Providing better access to Adelaide, Noarlunga, industrial areas and the Adelaide Hills would be a real plus.

“(The) council and other land owners in that growth area are keen for the rezoning to happen so more development can happen in this district and if it was supported by road upgrades, that would make everyone’s job a lot easier.”

Victor Harbor man Mark Taplin is working on a subdivision in his home town and agreed a Southern Expressway extension would drive interest in real estate along the coast.

He had spoken to many people based in Adelaide who said the travel time to Victor Harbor and bottlenecks and safety issues on local roads, were among the biggest factors discouraging them from either visiting more regularly or moving there after retirement.

“They say, ‘What a lovely spot, but the commute time is a real killer’,” Mr Taplin said.

Suzanne Warmer, who owns Mt Jagged Wines just south of Mt Compass, agreed an extension to the Southern Expressway would draw more tourists.

“It would certainly encourage people because they would see it as being a faster trip,” Mrs Warmer said. A shorter drive would particularly attract people living on the northern side of Adelaide, she said.

Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the Government had not done a feasibility study into extending the Southern Expressway, but “it could be looked at into the future”.

“We have committed $305 million to the duplication of Main South Rd between Seaford and Sellicks Beach, which will reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety,” Mr Knoll said.

“The State Government is also exploring ways we can improve Victor Harbor Rd, which coupled with the upgrades to Main South Rd, will help with economic growth in the region.”
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