Published on Jul 10, 2021
Project underway: Member for Finniss David Basham, Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes and CEO Glenn Rappensberg join with G'day Group General Manager of Investment Amanda Baldwin to announce the start of upgrade works at Discovery Parks - Goolwa.
Works have officially begun on a $22 million upgrade at Discovery Parks - Goolwa, with a "kids paradise" to offer a new water park and swimming pool, as well as an outdoor cinema and coastal nature playground.
The project will be completed by summer 2021-22 and forms part of a $40 million investment by owners G'day Group, aimed at boosting visitation and day trips to the Fleurieu region.
G'day Group have also committed to transforming the McCracken Country Club into a Florida-inspired family golf resort.
Upgrades at Discovery Parks - Goolwa will also see the establishment of new accommodation and camping facilities, as well as an outdoor resort pool, indoor pool and access to a neighboring skate park, BMX track, new pump track and basketball stadium.
At a turning of the sod ceremony on Friday, July 9, Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes welcomed the investment.
Concept: A new water park will be a key feature of $22 million in upgrades to be carried out at Discovery Parks - Goolwa. Photo: Supplied.
"G'day Group's investment in Goolwa confirms the confidence levels we are currently experiencing, with 60 new accommodation cabins, 100 new and improved caravan and camping sites, improved amenity and the addition of a nature play area and waterpark," Cr Parkes said.
"This will further accommodate visitors and customers for our existing businesses ensuring creation of more local ongoing jobs, as well as tapping into the visiting friends and relatives market, a very important contributor to our local economy.
"It's something that we've needed badly; we've had a massive increase in visitation over the last few years and more so now through COVID and this couldn't come at a better time."
It is anticipated that the project will create more than $12 million in economic benefit to the region in the first year and $17 million per year following.
The project will also deliver 118 jobs and up to 130 ongoing positions following completion.
G'day Group's General Manager of Investment, Amanda Baldwin, said the investment was a vote of confidence in South Australian regional tourism which has boomed following recent COVID-19 lockdowns and international travel restrictions.
"People are rediscovering regional tourism which is increasingly providing that touch of luxury and connection with nature they are looking for - we're excited by the potential of regional tourism," Ms Baldwin said.
"The approval process was very smooth, - the Alexandrina Council clearly demonstrated that Alexandrina is open for business and investment in the region."
Speaking at Friday's ceremony, Member for Finniss David Basham said it was "fantastic to see this investment".
"We're proud to have a facility like this being built and it's important for tourism as this is a tourism heart of South Australia," Mr Basham said.
"It's pleasing to have this sort of investment here and over at McCracken which is complementing what the state government is doing, particularly in relation to the Causeway."
The G'day Group acquired the Goolwa holiday park and the McCracken Country Club in 2020 and have developed a master plan to boost tourism to the region and attract larger events.
Guests at Goolwa and McCracken will have reciprocal access to the water parks at both properties free of charge and day passes will be available for locals when there is capacity.
TEXT FROM THE VICTOR HARBOR TIMES
