SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT
In Regional South Australia

Discussion paper
November 2002
 Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

SUSTAINABLE
TOURISM
DEVELOPMENT
In Regional South Australia

Discussion paper

November 2002
ISBN 1 876702 76 1

FIS 21983
 Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

Further Information
For further information on this paper please refer to:

www.planning.sa.gov.au
www.tourism.sa.gov.au

@
or contact :

DEBRA TAYLOR
Chief Project Officer
State Policy Branch
Planning SA
Telephone: 8303 0663
Email: taylor.debra@saugov.sa.gov.au

GARTH HEYNEN
Manager Policy
South Australian Tourism Commission
Telephone: 8463 4551
Email: heynen.garth@saugov.sa.gov.au

Please forward all written submissions on this paper to:

DEBRA TAYLOR
Chief Project Officer
State Policy Branch
Planning SA
GPO Box 1815, Adelaide SA 5001
Email: taylor.debra@saugov.sa.gov.au

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 Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

Table of Contents
FOREWORD

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 TOURISM IN PERSPECTIVE APPENDIX 1 (I) INVENTORY OF VISITOR EXPECTATIONS

1.1 Tourism in South Australia (ii) TYPES OF TOURIST ACCOMMODATION
1.2 The commitment to sustainability
APPENDIX 2 SUGGESTED DRAFT COUNCIL WIDE
2.0 INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN CHANGES
2.1 Benefits of tourism for regional development
2.2 Local community support for tourism APPENDIX 3 SITE SELECTION, SITE ANALYSIS PROCESS

3.0 REALISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOURISM APPENDIX 4 TOURISM STRATEGY PLANNING AT THE LOCAL
3.1 The Tourism Plan LEVEL
3.2 Planning Strategy for the Development of Regional South
Australia APPENDIX 5 COASTAL TOURISM - BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES
3.3 Tourism growth sectors
3.3.1 Sustainable/nature-based/eco-tourism APPENDIX 6 REFERENCES
3.3.2 Wine and food tourism
3.3.3 Rural tourism
3.3.4 Coastal and marine tourism
3.3.5 Outback areas

4.0 DEVELOPING A PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK

4.1 Tourism in rural areas
4.2 Townships
4.3 Outback areas
4.4 Conservation areas
4.5 Coastal and marine areas

5.0 WHERE TO FROM HERE?

5.1 Key planning policy changes
5.2 Tourism Planning Package
5.3 Opportunity for input

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 Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

Foreword

State and local government are committed to broadening and strengthening the economic base of regional South Australia within
sustainable limits.

South Australia has the capacity to be an inspirational leader in innovative and sustainable tourism.

Tourism is one of the most important industries in our economy and is growing rapidly. It is predicted that the number of tourists visiting
Australia will double by the year 2020. Tourism is an important source of local employment and income generation and is linked to small
business and regional development.

This Discussion Paper sets out the critical issues facing the tourism sector and explores and canvasses the key planning issues affecting the
creation of a development policy framework for sustainable tourism development in Regional South Australia.

In 2001, tourism in South Australia generated $3.4 billion in expenditure and employed 36,800 people full time within the industry.

For South Australia to increase its potential to contribute to regional regeneration through tourism development and grow specialist tourism
markets, a land use planning framework is needed that better aligns policies with the types of growth envisaged for the tourism industry.

The South Australian Tourism Plan 2003-2008, a joint industry/government plan, provides clear purpose and direction to the tourism industry.
This plan aims to harness the opportunities in tourism, by developing South Australia as a ‘speciality’ destination and ensuring that growth and
development is undertaken in a sustainable manner.

The issues in this paper are put forward to stimulate debate, to assist in refining a planning policy approach for tourism development across the
State and is part of this wider process for achieving innovative and sustainable tourism development in South Australia. It is aimed at assisting
tourism growth and benefits for regional areas and communities in South Australia.

Councils, relevant agencies, the tourism industry and other interested persons are invited to be involved in further developing the planning policy
framework for tourism development for regional South Australia.

Jay Weatherill Jane Lomax Smith

Minister for Urban Development and Planning Minister for Tourism

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Executive Summary
The South Australian Draft Tourism Plan sees South Australia
becoming an inspirational leader in innovative and sustainable
tourism.
This discussion paper considers how new Development Plan policies
for tourism might be developed and implemented that will assist
South Australia to capitalise on its unique assets and tourism
opportunities.
Expanding upon key themes in tourism growth potential, the paper
examines the benefits of further tourism development for regional
areas, explores community attitudes to tourism and defines ways of
developing various approaches that will ensure South Australia’s
natural and cultural resources are conserved.
The following issues are explored:
• the nature of tourism growth in South Australia - the
opportunities for sustainable development and benefits for
regions
• how best to develop policies that take advantage of
opportunities to achieve strong and sustainable connections
between rural activities, wine, food and tourism
• how best to plan for tourism development as a ‘derived use’
arising from inherent cultural aspects and/or land values and the
unique opportunities that this brings
• how to encourage tourism in a manner that allows it to add
value to an area and preserve the inherent value or
cultural/environmental sensitivity of an area
• whether to introduce a broad policy framework which promotes
and properly guides sustainable tourism development in a
consistent manner for the whole State
• the role of councils or regional groups of councils in developing
strategies and policies for tourism in their regions and areas
• other mechanisms, such as regulation amendments – referrals
and site analysis planning required with applications for tourism
development, which could support a new policy framework
• design and construction and maintenance of tourism
development to meet or exceed world’s best practice in
sustainable tourism
Currently, some Development Plans acknowledge the benefits of
appropriate tourism development. An audit of Development Plans
across the State reveals that there are however some specific policy
gaps and limitations placed upon tourism development. For instance:
• the focus of policies for tourism has been on towns or those
locations or parts of districts where tourism has been historically
directed
• many rural areas allow only small-scale tourist accommodation
and limit the opportunities for acceptable medium scale
development consistent with the tourism themes
Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia
• only some forms of ancillary value-adding activities are currently
allowed as consent on merit uses. This significantly constrains
the enhancement of tourism themes
• a primary objective or criterion for assessing development in
most rural zones is its contribution to, or potential impact on,
agricultural production
• areas of conservation significance or landscape beauty are
identified in many Development Plans. However, planning
policies for such zones or districts generally limit opportunities
for appropriate eco-tourism development.
Fostering the development of a new framework for tourism
development in South Australia will require co-operation between
State and Local Government, the community and industry and will
also involve developing planning policies and other mechanisms that
provide a well rounded approach to design and management of
tourism development and activities. It is also recognised that
different areas within the State require different policy approaches.
Councils are invited to consider and provide comment on the issues
in this Discussion Paper along with the potential elements of a
tourism development package as discussed in Section 5, including:
• Regional/local strategy planning and council PARs
• Ministerial PAR including amendments to zones put forward by
councils
• Regulation amendments to support the changes
• Planning Bulletin
• Developer guide
• Mechanisms for accreditation for tourism developments.
The Discussion Paper will be on consultation for 3 months. During
this time regional workshops will be undertaken to explore the issues
raised in the paper. Written submissions are also invited.
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Tourism in Perspective
1.0
1.1 TOURISM IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Internationally, tourism has grown from 25 million international
travellers in 1950 to 693 million in 2001 and is expected to double
again by the year 2020.
Australia, with 5 million international visitors, ranks only 20th out of
OECD countries, which generate 70 percent of international tourism
activities and visitors.
In 2001, tourism in South Australia generated $3.4 billion in
expenditure. Domestic tourism accounts for 80% of South
Australia’s tourism and it is clearly linked to small business and
regional development.
Other infrastructure supporting visitor stays includes roads, signage,
lookouts, road maps, town and district publications, directories,
information boards, and information offices supporting the needs of
visitors.
In addition to direct expenditure, tourism in South Australia supports
36,800 jobs in the tourist industry. It drives about 10 per cent of the
State’s economic growth through ‘exports’, representing two thirds of
those generated through all agricultural activity and equivalent to
that generated by the mining sector (but creating twice the number
of jobs).

Tourism services, including accommodation, food, beverages, air and

sea transport, sport and recreation – grew 8.5 times the rate of total
employment in South Australia between November 1990 and
November 2001.

Tourism development encompasses a wide range of activities,

involving any use, which serves and/or accommodates members of
the travelling public and visitors.

Sustainable tourism is derived from, or is a product of, the location,

culture or natural features of the land. As a use with inherent
associations to particular features of the land (natural, historical or
cultural) tourist development is generally a site-specific activity.

It is not always possible to predict where tourism will develop and it

is evident that tourism development embraces a wide range of
functions and activities. It is likely that tourism will involve adding
value to existing activities, particularly farming, land Despite the significance of South Australia’s tourism activity, its share
conservation/management and industry. of international and national visitation levels is considered to be
below potential.
Tourism infrastructure includes, tourist accommodation; restaurants;
function facilities; shops; attractions; museums; galleries; parks; bus
terminals, aerodromes, servicing and parking arrangements for
vehicles, berthing facilities and harbour installations. It also includes
the infrastructure providing the means of transport to, from and
around the district (by sea, air, road or tracks).

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This kind of accommodation is an experience in its own right, or is

linked closely to the core experiences mentioned above. Figure 1
explains the rationale behind South Australia’s small-medium scale
tourism accommodation strategy.

Figure 2: Target Market Preferences

Target market preferences (local character and homely feel)

+ Commercial realities (relatively small local demand and visitor levels)
+ Financial markets (seeking lower capital risk projects)
+ Community demands (development that ‘fits’)
Figure 1: Overview of South Australia’s Tourism Share + Sustainable tourism (developments with low impacts)
+ Strategic imperative (differentiation from other conventional destinations)
Market Proportion of SA’s Share of Australian
Tourism (visitor nights %) Tourism (visitor nights %) = Small to medium scale specialised developments
(eg: B&Bs, farm stays, guesthouses, nature retreats, health
International 19 4.5 retreats, country pubs and boutique hotels)
Interstate 39 7.9
Intrastate 41 6.4 Within this context SATC research identifies a largely unmet demand
for best practice, nature-based or retreat tourism accommodation
Further, average visitor expenditure in South Australia is also lower catering for between 10 to 100-persons (5-50 units). Based upon
than the national average. research and anecdotal information, South Australia’s best
opportunities for accommodation are in the medium size of 30-50
In addition, a disproportionate share of the value from tourism units.
accrues to metropolitan Adelaide. In this respect, 58 per cent of
overall domestic tourism expenditure occurs in regional Australia, A recent competitor analysis demonstrates that South Australia has
while only 38 per cent of South Australia’s domestic expenditure very little specialty nature-based or coastal accommodation that:
occurs within its regions.
• puts people back in touch with the natural environment
SATC market research has found that potential visitors "do not • raises an understanding and appreciation of the environment
perceive that there is enough to see and do in South Australia". The and biodiversity, and
research also shows that: • is innovatively designed and managed in a manner that achieves
recognition of its uniqueness, sensitivity and quality of
• potential visitors do not have a clear picture of accommodation experience.
in South Australia
• there is a low market association of tourism in South Australia In summary, the opportunities for tourism development in South
with coastal and nature based experiences, both powerful Australia lie within:
motivations for travel.
• value adding enterprises (ie activities which are allied with and
This demonstrates a need to focus on, and improve the destination derived from the principal land use)
appeal of South Australia and the quality of the visitor experience. • small to medium-scale tourism accommodation (eg for 10 - 100
This challenge is now being taken up in the joint persons) in areas outside of the Adelaide metropolitan area
industry/government South Australian Tourism Plan 2003-2008 to where accommodation is an integral part of the experience
which local government has been a significant partner.

Within South Australia significant opportunities lie in the areas of

wine and food tourism, nature-based/eco tourism, and coastal and
marine tourism.

Good quality tourist accommodation also plays an important part in

achieving tourism growth. The State has few high profile
accommodation facilities. High profile does not mean ‘large’ - it
means having a reputation for being different, innovative or providing
quality and value for money.

2

• in particular, sustainable nature-based and coastal (or retreat)
tourism development (ie accommodation which presents and
showcases our unique natural environment)
• creating a mutually beneficial alliance between tourism and
conservation, through opportunities for education and the
generation of revenue for environmental management
• tourism opportunities within rural townships where existing
infrastructure, events and arts and cultural attractions are
clustered.
The development of these types of tourism opportunities could
provide significant economic contributions to regional South Australia
and be sited and designed to protect sensitive environments,
biodiversity and agricultural land and its productive capacity.
1.2 THE COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
The challenge for South Australia is to encourage the development
and management of sustainable tourism that will provide benefits to
both visitors and host communities whilst protecting and enhancing
natural and cultural attributes.
Sustainable tourism development will meet the present and long-
term needs of hosts and visitors while ensuring the natural and
cultural environment is capable of sustaining such uses and
alternative future uses.
The characteristics of sustainable tourism are:
Differentiation
The key to successful and sustainable tourism is achieving a clear
sense of difference from other competing destinations.
Building on Inherent Attributes / Strengths
The best way to achieve this ‘sense of difference’ is to base
tourism development and marketing on the inherent attributes and
assets of the destination.
Tourism in perspective
Authenticity
The attractions most likely to be successful, and those which have
the greatest enduring appeal are those that are genuinely relevant
to the history, industry, culture and natural resources of the district.
Authenticity means achieving a ‘sense of continuity’ between the
past, present and future.
Reflecting Community Values
The most effective way to ensure authenticity is to understand,
conserve and enhance the values of the community. This means
representing the past, present and future aspirations of the local
community in a living and dynamic way and achieving a ‘sense of
belonging’.
Enhancing Experiences
A prime motivation for travel is change. People seek something
they cannot experience at home – opportunities abound for
providing new experiences based on discovering interesting places,
learning about the natural and cultural environment, participating in
adventurous activities, and having opportunities to escape and
relax. It is important to provide choice of things to see and do.
Value-adding
A richer and more rewarding tourism experience can be achieved
by adding value to the existing attributes of an area. The
incorporation, for instance, of accommodation facilities, small-scale
sales outlets, eating and other hospitality services in association
with established industry or places of visitation adds to the
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Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia
experience of visitors and at the same time helps to diversify the
economic base of an area.
Encouraging Niche Opportunities
Niche tourism opportunities are the opposite to mainstream
tourism. Niche opportunities involve the development of specialisd
products based on the inherent attributes of an area, or on the
enterprising vision of an individual or the community. While niche
products are specialised, there is often a large, perhaps global and
high yielding market for them.
‘Bundling’ Attractions and Attributes
The ‘bundling’ of attributes enhances the appeal of a place, and
the likelihood of visitation. This achieves a greater range of
accessible things for the visitor to see and do and a greater critical
mass for economic viability. This enhances the likelihood of
securing overnight stays, greater tourist revenue is expended per
visit and job opportunities are increased.
4
Being Resource Sensitive
In order to add to the special nature of the destination,
development must respect and conserve the resources upon which
it is based. All development should not only respect natural and
cultural values but also it respect ecological processes. In fact,
sustainable tourism development more than respects the resources
upon which it is built as it specifically derives its form, character,
operation and appeal from them.
Interpretive Value
Because the natural and built environments are the motivations for
travel, sound tourism development entails interpreting natural,
social, historic and ecological features. Value can be added by
telling the story and explaining wherever possible. This provides a
richer and more rewarding experience for the visitor and can help
conserve the inherent attributes of the destination.
Achieving Conservation Outcomes
In the past, conservation and tourism aims were often seen as
conflicting and the emphasis was on achieving ‘a balance’.
However, with a focus on sustainability, a mutually beneficial
alliance can be achieved between the economics of tourism and
conservation. That is, through understanding and enjoyment comes
greater appreciation and empathy for the resource and through
appreciation comes greater caring, advocacy and protection.
Providing Mutual Benefits to Visitors and Hosts
Tourism is primarily encouraged as an economic and community
development tool. For tourism to be successful planning must take
into account the benefits that the host community and the visitor
seek. Only when the local community is a willing host is tourism
likely to grow and be sustainable.
Increasing Opportunities for Tourism
2.0
2.1 BENEFITS OF TOURISM FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Improving the tourism appeal of regional areas and the subsequent
increased tourist visitations will have a number of direct benefits
including:
• economic growth, job creation, enhanced farm incomes and
business development
• improvements to services within the regions derived from the
additional revenue generated by tourist visitations
• restoration and refurbishment of historic buildings in the course
of their adaptation and re-use for accommodation and tourism
services
• improvements to infrastructure such as roads, aerodrome
services, power and water supply, waste water disposal, waste
management and park and reserve facilities
Indirect benefits are also likely to occur through
• investments made in licensed premises, related transport
services and personal and health care services
• the improved general appeal of districts as they develop as
tourist destinations (a consequential benefit of tourist
expenditure in communities and adding to the range of visitor
attractions and accommodation services).
Ultimately, the key challenge is to ensure that any planning policy
approach to tourism development supports the broader economic,
infrastructure, social and environmental goals of rural communities,
assists local job creation and protects sensitive natural and cultural
environments, including our coastal and marine areas.
2.2 LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR TOURISM
In 2001 the SATC undertook a survey of community attitudes to
tourism, involving regional focus groups and more than 3000
telephone interviews across the State.
The purpose of the survey was to investigate the level of recognition
and support for tourism within the community and to identify the
issues relating to the industry’s growth. The results of this research
demonstrated that there is strong community support for the tourism
industry at both State and regional levels.
Prior to any mention of tourism, survey respondents were asked to
rate economic sectors on the basis of their ‘importance to the
economic prosperity and quality of life enjoyed by your community’.
Figure 3: Perceived Industry Contribution to Economic Prosperity
and Quality of Life
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Agriculture Fishing/ Manufacturing Mining Tourism Wine production
Aquaculture
(Source: Community Attitudes to Tourism, McGregor Tan Research,
August 2001)
The vast majority of respondents (85%) felt that tourism is a ‘very
important’ or ‘important’ industry sector, ahead of other sectors such
as agriculture (77%), wine production (75%), manufacturing (70%)
and mining (31%).
When asked what they considered were the main benefits
associated with tourism, respondents were most likely to identify:
• the creation of employment opportunities (53%)
• stimulating demand for local businesses (52%)
• attracting new businesses into the area (27%)
• attracting new and interesting people into the area (25%)
The survey also revealed that:
• 71% of South Australians regard tourism as economically
sustainable (21% neutral with only 3% not sustainable)
• 55% regard it as environmentally sustainable (33% neutral with
only 8% not sustainable)
• 72% regard it as socially sustainable (20% neutral with only 3%
not sustainable)
When asked what they felt would be the main form of economic
activity in ten years time the survey respondents were most likely to
identify tourism (26%) followed by manufacturing (21%) wine
production (20%) and information technology (16%).
The research also found that for tourism development to be
acceptable it must be authentic and reflect community values. The
values of residents and of discerning visitors are very similar. A list of
visitor expectations is contained in Appendix 1.
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Figure 6: Integrated Approach to Achieving Sustainable Tourism

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Realising Opportunities for Tourism
3.0
This section outlines tourism growth areas and opportunities.

3.1 THE TOURISM PLAN

South Australia’s Tourism Plan seeks to encourage a different way of

travelling – a way in which the traveller is actively engaged in
exploring, understanding, appreciating and conserving the natural
environment.

The Tourism Plan seeks to encourage experiences based on the

State’s core and complementary themes:
3.2 PLANNING STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
Figure 4: REGIONAL SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Core Themes Complementary Themes The new Draft Planning Strategy for the Development of Regional
South Australia recognises that there has been demonstrated growth
Wine and Food Accessible Outback in the tourism industry over recent years and that there are strong
Nature/Eco-tourism Indigenous Tourism future growth prospects.
Coast and Marine Arts and Culture
Festivals and Events History and Heritage The Planning Strategy also recognises that:
Rural/Country Living
Sports Tourism • there is considerable potential to support families and
Healthy Lifestyle communities in rural areas by encouraging new approaches to
Special Interest Markets agriculture, expansion of tourism enterprises and other value
adding opportunities where these exist

The approach provides for authentic and memorable experiences

that are a genuine expression of who we are as South Australians
(past, present and future).
SATC research shows that there is substantial growth in the tourist
‘drive market’ with many visitors now seeking to travel to and
experience a range of the core tourist themes and destinations
throughout South Australia. This would have significant implications
for planning policy and infrastructure development.
• tourism creates and supports a myriad of business opportunities
and can generate jobs, especially for younger and semi-skilled
people.
• facilities serving visitors and providing supplementary sources of
income can assist in underpinning the viability of farming
ventures. Incomes and revenue generated from visitors can also
support improvements to services within regions where tourism
is promoted.

In order to achieve the State Tourism Plan’s vision of South Australia One of the aims of the Planning Strategy is to encourage sustainable
being an inspirational leader in innovative and sustainable tourism tourism development and ensure differentiation based on the
based on these themes, the Plan requires alignment and integration inherent attributes of each area to assist in achieving regional goals.
of a range of critical factors. These are outlined in Figure 6.

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3.3 TOURISM GROWTH SECTORS
3.3.1 SUSTAINABLE/NATURE-BASED/ECO-TOURISM
Eco-tourism has become one of the fastest growing sectors of the
world travel industry (World Tourism Organisation).
Of all international visitors to Australia 45 percent are motivated by
natural experiences with half of these being ‘dedicated’ nature
tourists. The desire to learn about and experience nature is a major
motivation for travel.
SATC research demonstrates that South Australia is the State least
associated with nature-based experiences.
(Source: Benchmark Research for the Evaluation of South Australian
Tourism Commission's Marketing Campaign, Roy Morgan Research,
October, 1998).
Figure 5 Relationship between sustainable tourism, nature-based tourism and eco-tourism.
8
There are eight principles of an eco-tourism approach as outlined in
the Draft International Eco-tourism Standard, as follows:
• focussing on giving visitors the opportunity to personally and
directly experience nature
• providing opportunities to experience nature in ways that lead to
greater understanding, appreciation and enjoyment
• demonstrating best practice for environmentally sustainable
tourism
• contributing directly to the conservation of natural areas
• providing ongoing contributions to the local community
• developments sensitive to, and involving interpretation of the
culture of an existing area
• consistently meeting consumer expectations and are marketed
and promoted honestly and accurately so that realistic
expectations are formed.
National parks and wildlife reserves
A significant part of the Government’s investment in regional tourism
infrastructure is through the establishment and management of
National Parks and Wildlife reserves and associated visitor and
recreational facilities.
Twenty three percent of all international visitors to South Australia
visit a National Park or areas containing wildlife or undertake an
activity associated with these areas. Areas such as the Flinders
Ranges, Coorong, Kangaroo Island, Mount Lofty, Cleland, Belair and
the Simpson Desert have distinct identities.
Sustainable Tourism
is the drive to make every tourism business and traveller ecologically and culturally
sensitive by building environmental and cultural awareness into all aspects of the
travel product and its consumption (ie general sustainability in tourism).
Nature-based Tourism
is any sustainable tourism activity, or experience that relates to the natural
environment, whether for relaxation, discovery, or adventure.
Eco-tourism
is a niche nature-based segment where the key motivation is learning, appreciation
and conservation. It is specialized, low capacity, discrete, 'educational', conservation
minded and returns benefits to the local community/natural resource.
 Realising Opportunities for Tourism

Development of existing and new National Parks, such as the

recently acquired Gawler Ranges National Park, require careful
planning to ensure that these are integrated with overall tourism
planning and infrastructure for a region. A National Park Tourism
Strategy to promote and appropriately develop priority tourism
National Parks is being developed.

The Tourism Plan identifies the following as important

considerations:

• opportunities exist to create world class nature-based and eco-

tourism experiences based around diverse and accessible
natural assets
• sustainability will be an increasingly important driver of
destination choice in the future
• innovative ‘nature-retreat’ style accommodation is needed that
is an integral part of the experience
• development must be located, designed and managed in a
manner that protects, enhances and restores the natural and
cultural attributes of its setting.
SATC’s strategy is to forge mutually beneficial partnerships between
National Parks and Wildlife SA, recreation, forestry, EPA, Education
Department and Flinders University to advance and increase the
profile of nature based tourism and eco-tourism.
Consistent with this, SATC and the Office of Sustainability in the
Department for Environment and Heritage will also work together to
achieve a mutually beneficial alliance between the economic of
tourism and conservation.
(For more information about nature-based tourism see Nature-
Based/Eco-Tourism Strategy, South Australian Tourism Commission,
1999).

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3.3.2 WINE AND FOOD TOURISM • value adding to the wine experience through the provision of
One of the State’s main strengths is its reputation for wine and food. accommodation, dining, meeting facilities, gallery and relevant
Recent research has demonstrated that visitor expectations to South merchandising at wineries and cellar doors.
Australia’s wine regions are for good quality wine, good food, and
experienced cellar door service. 3.3.3 RURAL TOURISM
Rural tourism is considered to be a significant opportunity given the
More than a third of international guests visit a winery during their visitor demand to experience the Australian country lifestyle.
stay in South Australia, well above the national average of 11
percent. More than 20 per cent of all interstate holiday visits include
a winery compared to the national average of only 4 percent (Bureau
of Tourism Research). Clearly wine, and wine making, are strong
competitive advantages for South Australia and food is a natural
complement to this.

The State Food Plan sets a goal of increasing the value of the South
Australian food industry to $15 billion by 2010. This will include
encouraging value adding and establishing new market outlets.

The Tourism Plan sets a goal of adding value to the ‘wine

experience’, improving the cellar door experience and increasing the
profile of the State’s quality food industry. It will do this by:

The Tourism Strategy identifies a number of areas of important

tourism experiences that relate to rural areas that could be
developed by creating:

• strong links to our rural heritage by allowing tourists to

participate in farm practices
• attractions based on local produce and linking this with other
regional recreational and cultural experiences
• opportunities to foster stronger links between regional attributes
and tourism by providing value-adding experiences for the
visitor.

3.3.4 COASTAL AND MARINE TOURISM

The State’s Planning Strategy recognises the many demands placed
on our coastal areas, including for industry, living, tourism and
recreation areas and the need to create linkages between marine
and land based tourism.

At the same time Tourism research has shown that consumers have
a very low association of South Australia with ‘coastal or beach
experiences’ and that there is a limited supply of good quality
accommodation in coastal areas in South Australia compared to
other States. (For more information about coastal tourism see
Coastal and Marine Tourism Strategy, South Australian Tourism
Commission, 2001).

The Tourism Plan:

• working in partnership with the ‘Food for the Future’ Program to • seeks to differentiate the South Australian coastal experience
optimise synergies between tourism and the food industry from other destinations such as Queensland and utilise coastal
and marine assets to create memorable visitor experiences
• encouraging local events that celebrate food and wine
• exploring opportunities to establish marketing links between
regional produce and tourism destinations

10

• encourages appropriate development in coastal and marine
areas, however, it does not envisage intensive or extensive
coastal tourism development, other than in those areas
specifically zoned for more high-energy recreation and tourism
use
• seeks to develop a range of focal points along the coastline of
South Australia that facilitates the drive and marine trail market
including places to meet and gather
Realising Opportunities for Tourism
• encourages the development of some specialised, small to
medium scale (ie up to 100 persons), innovative, eco-style
coastal retreats where the emphasis is on ‘connecting’ with, and
appreciating the coastal and marine environment, integrating
other local attributes (eg food and wine), and where rigorous site
analysis, sustainable design and management is achieved
• seeks to improve sustainable/managed access to coastal areas
of high tourism value.
3.3.5 OUTBACK AREAS
The outback is Australia’s greatest icon. Both the domestic and
international markets see it as the last frontier, appealing to a sense
of remoteness, mystique, adventure and discovery.
South Australia’s outback covers three quarters of the state.
Adelaide is perfectly positioned as a ‘gateway’ for travel to the
temperate south, through the arid centre and on to the sub-tropical
north providing a contrasting taste of Australia.
The Tourism Plan identifies:
• opportunities to link experiences for international tourists
travelling to the outback and for a south north rail journey with
completion of the Adelaide to Darwin rail link
• tourist accommodation facilities that are required to cater for a
‘bus load’ of visitors (ie 50-60 beds) to enable the growth of
tours through outback regions with a focus on townships in
these areas
• the need for work to be done to develop consistency, build
critical mass and improve access and infrastructure and
marketing.
11
Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

12
Developing a Planning Policy Framework
4.0
This section examines issues for developing a planning policy
framework for tourism for different areas.
4.1 TOURISM IN RURAL AREAS
It is important to develop ways to support and strengthen
relationships that are emerging between primary industries, tourism
and local industries in regional SA.
At the same time there are key policy considerations that must be
considered when contemplating expansion of existing tourism
activities in rural areas.
Value adding is an important part of rural tourism, particularly wine
and food tourism. Some Development Plans already address these
types of uses but more could be achieved. Approaches to value
adding and rural tourism could focus on developing specialist niche
markets for particular rural areas or regions.
ISSUES
The following are considerations for tourism development in rural
areas:
• existing primary industries must be considered. Neighbouring
farm management practices can impact on tourism
development. These activities involve storing, packaging,
processing and transporting of farm produce or the use of
audible bird-scare devices; frost fans; air-assisted spraying rigs;
mechanical plant at various hours of the day and night; aerial
spray drift. Even when well managed, these activities may give
rise to dust, fumes, noise or odours etc
• there are also great differences between geographic areas, land
uses, quality of land for agriculture, landform, natural and
cultural/historic attributes
• rural tourism development must build upon local characteristics
in a compatible manner
• tourism development in rural areas requires infrastructure
support
• tourism planning should be integrated with approaches to
natural resource management and economic regeneration for
regions.
POSSIBLE PLANNING AND POLICY APPROACH
To ensure a successful approach to rural tourism and value adding
types of activities and achieve sustainable tourism development in
rural areas it will be necessary for policies to address:
• the range of opportunities for primary produce diversification for
tourism in particular rural areas
• ways to achieve a more flexible approach to these types of rural
development/diversification
• objectives for zones that encompass value adding activities likely
to be desirable and acceptable in rural areas
• ways to foster the linkages between different types of
rural/agricultural activities and tourism, protect prime
agricultural land and reduce potential for land use conflicts
• issues of orderly and economic development for rural areas and
the types of tourism activities which should be located within
centres and townships
• ways to reduce potential tensions and frictions that can be
caused by complex interactions between the tourism industry,
visitors and the environment and communities which host such
visitors eg separation distances, design and environmental
criteria and management approaches which would allow
adjoining agricultural land uses to continue without disturbance
• appropriate levels of public notification
• scale for different types of value adding activities and tourist
accommodation in areas of scarce, prime agricultural land,
intensive animal keeping, and farm management practices with
potential for offence
• types of infrastructure needed, for instance - supplies of water
and wastewater disposal systems - to ensure that these are not
limiting factors for many South Australian rural communities
• whether there is a need to review change of use provisions in
rural areas to provide greater certainty and clarity in relation to
ancillary value adding uses for applicants.
13
Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

Rural areas and zones

There is a need to introduce broad council wide policies that
contemplate a wider range of activities in rural areas that support
primary production and value adding activities.

Different policy approaches would need to be developed for different

zones in rural areas, particularly those where activities are more
intensive.

ON FARM PRIMARY PRODUCE VALUE ADDING ANCILLARY TOURIST

DEVELOPMENT
SATC and Planning SA have already developed a Draft Wine Tourism
Bulletin to assist councils in developing policies in this area of
tourism.

In support of amendments to Council Wide policies, councils may

also wish to consider amending non-complying lists for specific
zones to facilitate tourist accommodation and ancillary value adding
activities in rural areas as a consent use.
Policies for these types of activities could also be included in
Development Plans following the ‘Regional Planning Process for
Tourism’ as set out in Appendix 4 or other strategic planning
undertaken when councils review Development Plan policies.

To assist in these processes the Planning Bulletin: Development in

Rural Areas identifies various performance-based measures for the
conduct of a range of agricultural uses. The Bulletin includes
consideration of tourism activities and contains performance criteria
that seek to support the ongoing economic viability of primary
production, within a clear framework of environmental guidelines.

The following qualifications are suggested as an approach to

amending the non-complying lists for rural zones where the term
"shop" appears:

• except where developed for cellar door or factory floor sales

ancillary to an existing agricultural industry where the total shop
floor space does not exceed *(100) square metres
• except where developed as a restaurant primarily serving the
needs of travellers or visitors, where ancillary to an existing on
farm agricultural industry and where the dining area does not
exceed* (100) square metres.
*indicative only

14

TOURIST ACCOMMODATION IN RURAL AREAS
It is envisaged that tourist accommodation in rural areas could be up
to 100 persons. Appendix 2 provides possible principles that could
guide these forms of development including criteria for design, size
and location.
4.2 TOWNSHIPS
Given the potential for conflict in closely settled urban areas and the
relatively ordered structure of land uses in towns, tourism
development should be undertaken where it fits within an
established town structure.
ISSUES
The following issues are considerations for tourism development in
townships:
• in some instances townships may not have this structure in
place. In these circumstances it may be necessary to put in
place Development Plans or undertake planning investigations to
develop an appropriate policy approach on which to develop
tourism policies. This would be the case in Coober Pedy where
the township itself is part of the tourist experience.
• the suitability of bed and breakfast and low key tourist
accommodation in residential areas should be considered where
the scale and form of development conforms to established or
desired building conditions.
• the appropriateness of the business core of structured
townships for locating a range of hospitality uses, information
and servicing functions, as well as the retailing of products
directed to the tourism market, must be considered.
• the potential for industrial locations being primarily for the
production of goods and the carrying out of various industrial
processes to include associated and secondary tourist functions
(such as the display and sale of manufactured produce) should
be considered.
Developing a Planning Policy Framework
POSSIBLE PLANNING AND POLICY APPROACH
Draft Council Wide policies in Appendix 2 provide options for guiding
appropriate tourist accommodation associated with existing
dwellings in townships.
The following approach to public notification could also support a
clear policy approach to bed & breakfast accommodation in
townships:
‘Tourist Development’ or ‘Tourist Accommodation’ zones, small-
scale tourist accommodation for up to 6 persons in any
township zone, could be listed for Category 1 development.
4.3 OUTBACK AREAS
Outback areas will face increasing demands from visitors as
improved roads and vehicles make outback areas more accessible.
ISSUES
The following are issues requiring consideration:
• some outback towns have undergone considerable structural
change (eg Marree and Oodnadatta) but there is not yet a
framework on which to develop a tourism base
• some outback towns are not developed enough to identify areas
for separation of activities (eg Marla, Innamincka)
• resources to develop planning policies for these areas to ensure
that they facilitate appropriate tourism development
• visitor demands are often unable to be met by existing
infrastructure
• low permanent populations often do not attract funds to provide
basic types of infrastructure, however visitor numbers can be
very high (eg Innamincka and William Creek when Lake Eyre is
flooded)
15
Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia
• in outback towns, infrastructure (particularly the sustainable
provision of water, waste disposal, road surfacing, power supply
and township beautification, trees and signposting) require
commitment and support to allow promotion and growth of
tourism.
POSSIBLE PLANNING AND POLICY APPROACH
There may need to be support for the development of new policies
for these areas and for assistance in achieving high quality urban
and building design outcomes for tourist developments.
Further, investigations are needed to identify infrastructure upgrade
for areas such as the far north region to increase the capacity of
those centres to accommodate visitors.
4.4 CONSERVATION AREAS
In pursuing nature based opportunities tourism development will
inherently avoid locations where the land’s fragile or pristine
condition cannot sustain any development impacts, such as in areas
of particular rural character or landscape, native vegetation,
biodiversity and water resources as this intrinsically reduces the
tourism potential and value of areas.
Successful tourism in South Australia in sensitive areas will include
the following:
• innovative and sensitive design
• a significant understanding of site capability through site
analyses
• a balance between scale appropriate to environmental
capabilities.
ISSUES
The following are issues that would need to be considered:
• approaches to planning policy that allow tourism while ensuring
protection of areas considered to be fragile, pristine or unable to
sustain tourism development
16
• the need to place greater emphasis on assessment of a broader
range of issues at the development application stage.
For instance, detailed design assessment, the capacity of
environmental services (ie water supply and wastewater
disposal) to meet the needs of the development and taking into
account seasonal variations, which occur in particular areas
• many aspects of achieving sustainable development planning for
environmentally sensitive areas may fall beyond the reach of
Development Plans and other regulatory frameworks and require
other approaches in addition to development assessment. For
instance, the ecological impacts of fixtures and fittings (energy
efficiency and water conservation), embodied energy of building
materials and construction processes, materials specification
(such as timber sourcing) that have the potential to generate
significant environmental impacts
• the need for ongoing management approaches to ensure
protection of sensitive environments.
POSSIBLE PLANNING AND POLICY APPROACH
The Draft Council Wide policies attached in Appendix 2 address a
range of environmental issues seeking protection of the natural
environment, rural character and landscapes, native vegetation and
water resources.
It is also suggested that the Development Regulations could be
amended to require proponents to provide information on site
selection in ‘sensitive’ coastal and conservation areas. This would
ensure a high quality tourism development that is appropriate to the
location (see Appendix 4 for more detail).
It may also be appropriate for environmentally sensitive locations to
require the applicant to submit an environmental Management Plan
or system (as required by ISO 14 000) to ensure that tourism
development is accredited and managed in accordance with eco-
tourism principles. Councils wishing to know more about this
accreditation process can find this at www.tourism.sa.gov.au.

In addition, a process of identifying suitable opportunities for future
tourism development needs to occur through local and/or regional
strategy planning.
A suggested approach to strategy planning at the local level is
contained in Appendix 4
4.5 COASTAL AND MARINE AREAS
Coastal and marine areas provide opportunities for visitors to learn
about the environment as well as recreate and relax. A key
challenge for tourism development in these areas is to make it
innovative, environmentally sensitive, conserve natural environments
and designed and located cognisant of existing infrastructure
capacity.
The State’s Planning Strategy recognises the many demands placed
on our coastal areas, including for industry, living, tourism and
recreation and that public access would need to be maintained to
the coast where this would be sustainable and controlled.
Council Wide policies for the coast were introduced into
Development Plans across the State in 1994. These cover a broad
range of issues, including hazard risk minimisation, protection of
access to the coast and infrastructure requirements amongst others.
The South Australian Government has adopted a Marine and
Estuarine Strategy (Our Seas & Coasts, August 1998) as a
framework for the integrated management of our coastal resources.
The Strategy identifies five major commitments: Clean Healthy Seas,
Sustainable Use, Conserving Biodiversity and Heritage, Working
Together, and Better Understanding.
The recent marine planning framework initiative supports the
sustainable use commitment of the Strategy. Eight bioregions of
South Australia’s marine environment have been grouped into six
regions. A marine plan will be developed for each region, starting
with the Spencer Gulf.
The identification of Marine Protected Areas (MPA), and other work
emanating from this marine planning work has implications for
coastal development planning and policies, in particular the
interaction between marine and land based activities and
conservation objectives, and planning for tourism.
ISSUES
The implications for tourism development in coastal areas are similar
to those covered in the previous discussion of eco/nature tourism.
An audit of all coastal development provisions in Development Plans
has determined that the policies are sufficient to meet world’s best
practice for coastal planning, however, there are some specific policy
gaps with regard to tourism for coastal areas that need to be
considered, as follows:
Developing a Planning Policy Framework
• objectives for zones need to more clearly set out the particular
types of uses and desired character appropriate for coastal
areas
• land capability criteria need to be given greater attention
• landscape assessment issues need to be addressed more
sufficiently for coastal areas
• most forms of tourism development in coastal zones are
currently non-complying. It may be that councils treat tourist
accommodation as a ‘consent use’ because it is not specifically
excluded in non-complying lists
• linkages between marine and land based tourism will need to be
taken into account
• the range of policies and strategies being developed for marine
areas can be considered when policies are developed to guide
tourism development.
POSSIBLE PLANNING AND POLICY APPROACH
Before councils consider changes to policies for these areas SATC
and Planning SA are encouraging a process of local/regional strategy
planning to establish land capability and strategies for development
for tourism in coastal areas.
A review of world’s best practice approaches for coastal tourism has
resulted in the development of guiding principles for coastal tourism
development which could assist with these planning processes.
These are contained in Appendix 5.
The site selection and analysis process included in the Development
Regulations for ‘sensitive’ coastal and conservation areas could
support any changes following this process. These are contained in
Appendix 3. In addition to these it may be appropriate to consider a
referral mechanism for development in sensitive coastal areas.
17
Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

18
Where to from here ?
5.0
5.1 KEY PLANNING POLICY CHANGES
Investigations outlined in this Discussion Paper suggest that there
are opportunities to enhance and encourage investment and
innovation in sustainable tourism outside of designated zones and
towns through changes to Development Plans. It is important that
these opportunities are undertaken within a planning framework that
is innovative, responsive and which results in protecting valued
natural resources.
To develop a robust planning framework that includes the elements
outlined above the following should be considered:
• flexibility for development of tourism in rural and appropriate
sensitive areas of the State in a manner that also ensures
sustainability of rural agriculture, preservation of prime
agricultural land and protection of landscape attributes, cultural,
geological and environmental values
• the need to identify appropriate tourism activities in rural areas,
that add value to, and are complementary with, rural industry
• recognition that tourism opportunities may not be able to be
readily zoned for or pre-determined
• nature retreat-type tourism development in appropriate locations
• the need for local and regional planning processes and the
adoption of policies that address the potential impacts, scale and
number of developments appropriate to remote and natural areas
• removal of policy conflicts, negative connotations and non-
complying controls based upon association between various
forms of tourist accommodation and the term ‘motel’
• incorporating policies that provide clear direction for small to
medium scale tourism development (ie accommodation for up to
10 and from 10 to 100 persons); and
- developing policies for areas, where appropriate, to allow
larger scale tourism developments with appropriate
principles to ensure full and proper assessment
• the adoption of a development assessment process, which
recognise the nature and impact of activities and encourage
design that is responsive to, and protects the inherent values of
the land
• the need for infrastructure support and ongoing management
and maintenance to support tourism development in outback
and remote areas.
5.2 A TOURISM PLANNING PACKAGE
The following sets out the potential elements of a tourism package.
Local and regional strategy planning processes
In areas of high tourism potential, a strategic planning approach is
encouraged (see Appendix 4). This would assist in the identification
of a broad range of required actions, some of which will relate to
necessary changes to Development Plans. These strategic plans
would involve extensive public and industry consultation and
integrate positioning analysis and local environmental and tourism
resource analyses to determine where there is scope and
opportunity for tourism development.
The SATC has funds to provide financial and other assistance to
councils to encourage the preparation of strategic plans, particularly
on a regional basis.
Draft Ministerial PAR
A Ministerial PAR containing Council Wide policies. Changes to non-
complying lists and zone policies to support the broad policy
approach could be included in the Ministerial PAR at the request of
councils. Possible Draft Council Wide policies are outlined in
Appendix 2.
If changes are proposed which involve removing ‘motel’ from non-
complying lists or excluding a particular scale of tourist
accommodation in a particular zone from non-complying, then
(subject to appropriate justification) this could be included in a
Ministerial PAR.
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Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia
NB: It is not proposed at this stage that changes be made to policies
affecting sensitive zones such as; horticulture, forestry, coastal and
conservation zones. Further work needs to be carried out to
determine the most appropriate policy framework for these zones.
Strategic planning for tourism by councils or regions will provide a
basis for a suitable policy approach for these zones.(see Appendix 4)
Council PARs
Detailed changes to zones could also be undertaken in conjunction
with other policy investigations being undertaken by councils (eg
policies within rural, primary production, general farming areas,
township).
Councils could propose changes to individual zone policies following
local or regional strategy planning (see Appendix 4) and a Section 30
Review.
In council areas where tourism is considered to exhibit considerable
potential, it may be more appropriate to initiate specific investigations
into tourism development and the type of policies and actions that
will be required to encourage sustainable tourist development
outcomes. In some instances councils may wish to initiate regional
policy investigations or Section 30 reviews as a regional process.
To facilitate regional policy formulation, the SATC has set aside funds
for councils specifically seeking to maximise tourism opportunities.
Groups of councils (or lead councils) should contact the SATC if
regional tourism planning is contemplated.
Possible Regulation Amendments
Amendments to the Development Regulations could support the
policy approach as follows:
Schedule 1 – Introduce a new definition for ‘Tourist
Accommodation’ in the Regulations.
The SATC is of the view that the current definition of ‘motel’ provides
a negative connotation for tourism and that a new definition ‘tourist
accommodation’ should be introduced.
20
In order to broaden the range of accommodation types intended to
be encouraged and developed sensitively, the term "motel" could be
replaced over time as non-complying lists are amended, with a more
generic term - tourist accommodation - which does not associate
itself with any particular style or marketing brand, or any pre-
determined form of development.
The term motel, as defined under the Development Act 1993,
captures a broad range of visitor accommodation and is associated
with a particular era of guest accommodation developed in the post
war period to serve the travelling motorist (ie a hotel for motorists).
The term ‘tourist accommodation’ has already been introduced
under policies in the Mount Lofty Ranges Region. The term ‘tourist
accommodation’ is more associated with diverse guest
accommodation for example a boutique hotel, nature retreat, hiker’s
huts, farm stays or bed and breakfast.
There is potential to introduce the term formally under the
Development Regulations 1993 to create a positive investment and
development climate supportive of appropriate, sustainable tourism
development and accommodation types in line with the strategic
policy direction of the Planning Strategy for Development of Regional
South Australia and State Tourism Plan.
A new term ‘tourist accommodation’ and accompanying definition,
could be introduced in Schedule 1, as follows:
‘tourist accommodation’ means a building or group of buildings
providing temporary accommodation for visitors or travellers and
may include an ancillary restaurant, sales/servicing facility,
and/or a manager’s/caretaker’s residence, but does not include
a dwelling or hotel, as defined, or a caravan park.
Amendments could then be made to Development Plans to
incorporate responsive planning policies following consultation with
councils either through a Ministerial PAR or through Section 30
reviews. For instance by encouraging desirable scales of tourist
accommodation for 30-50 units. Tourist accommodation for more
than 100 persons could then remain as non-complying development
in certain zones.
 Where to from here ?

Schedule 5 – Site analysis plans 5.3 OPPORTUNITY FOR INPUT

The purpose of a site analysis is to encourage the
proponent/designer to undertake a thorough assessment of the site
and the surrounding area and to identify the opportunities and
constraints for layout and design. A Site Analysis Plan is a graphic
depiction of the various factors that have influenced the design
process. This could be introduced by an amendment to Schedule 5
of the Development Regulations.
The type and detail of information to be provided with a development
application will depend upon such factors as the type, scale and
intensity of development as well as the character and location of the
site.
Appendix 3 outlines the extent of details that could be required in a
site analysis plan for an application for tourism development in
sensitive zones.
Schedule 8 – Referrals for coastal areas
Schedule 8 could be amended to provide a referral on applications
of certain types in coastal areas.
This Discussion Paper sets out the key issues facing the tourism
industry in South Australia and provides a basis for further
discussion on:
a. the development of a robust policy framework for tourism in
regional South Australia
b. how this is achieved to best take account of the variations
between different regions.
The document will be on consultation with councils and other
interested parties for 3 months. During this time regional workshops
to explore the issues raised in the paper, and to gather feedback on
other relevant issues, will also be undertaken. Written submissions
are also invited.
Your response on the issues outlined in this paper is valued and
necessary.

Planning Bulletin
A Planning Bulletin could provide a range of best practice and design
guidance to assist councils with ongoing improvements to
Development Plans. For instance information contained in Appendix
3 provides draft site selection, and analysis and application
information needs, particularly for medium-scale tourist
accommodation development proposals within ‘sensitive’ Coastal
and Conservation Zones. The best practice approaches for coastal
tourism contained in Appendix 5 could also assist councils
undertaking local or regional strategy planning and subsequent
policy changes to zones.

Developer guides
The information contained in Appendix 3 would be of particular value
to proponents of tourism development. Councils would be
encouraged to adapt the information and make it readily available
within their districts.

21
Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

22
 Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

Appendix 1
(I) INVENTORY OF VISITOR EXPECTATIONS

(II) TYPES OF TOURIST ACCOMMODATION

(I) INVENTORY OF VISITOR EXPECTATIONS

The things people value are:

• a healthy environment
• authentic cultural heritage
• creativity and intellectual stimulation
• health and personal relationships
• the personal touch
• comfort, convenience and good service
• privacy when desired

The benefits people seek are personal and relational benefits,

such as:

• escaping from the stress of day-to-day life

• experiencing a change
• ‘collecting’ experiences to ‘brag’ about
• being physically challenged
• enjoying the finer things in life
• having fun and plenty of activity choices
• nurturing relationships
• meeting new and interesting people
• learning something about one’s roots, a place, nature or a
special interest
• ‘connecting’ with the cultural/natural environment

These benefits can be found in South Australia’s lifestyle centred

around the complementary themes of:

• food and wine

• festivals and events
• arts and culture living heritage
• country living
• coastal and marine experiences
• unspoilt natural environment
• soft adventure activities

These experiences can be enjoyed within the destination attributes

of:
• being authentic (not ‘touristy’)
• having a relaxed friendly pace
• having a range of choices
• being easy to get around
• pleasant Mediterranean climate
• offering excellent quality
• affordable (value for money)
• having friendly locals (willing hosts).
23
Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

(II) TYPES OF TOURISM ACCOMMODATION

Nature Retreats

Generally small to medium scale accommodation designed in tune

with the natural environment. Accommodation facilities generally
range from self-catering detached cottages, bunkhouse or a
combination of these to 5-star single ‘lodge’ style structure. Design
emphasis given to raising the consciousness and appreciation of
natural surroundings.

New Guesthouses/Boutique Hotels

Characterised by small to medium scale owner-operated

establishments having a non-commercial appearance, homely
ambience and personalized service. Whilst providing comfortable
private facilities, guesthouses allow for interaction between guests
through both activities and communal spaces (eg dining room,
reading room, bar, living room with fire etc). Markets include
independent couples on short break escapes, or small conference
and business meetings.

Traditional Hotels

Small to medium scale hotels generally more than 50 years old.

Typically the Australian ‘country pub’, often renovated to provide the
charm of yesteryear with the comfort and convenience of modern
facilities – at an affordable price. Can be in city locations but
usually in near CBD and country locations.

Stately Historic Homes

These are generally small scale and possess the character and
ambience of the grand homes of the past. Usually licensed for
guests and catering primarily to the business meeting and short
break indulgent leisure markets and generally owner operated.
Tourism investment helps to preserve and promote the heritage and
inherent character of these buildings.

Farm Stays

Farmhouse room, cottage, shearers’ quarters, or bunkhouse style

accommodation on a working farm providing opportunities to
participate in farm life, where desired. Caters primarily for the
escape, family or educational markets.

24
 Appendix 1

Bed and Breakfast

Small -scale, relatively inexpensive and homely establishments

providing the basic bed and breakfast needs of the visitor – some
slightly up-market. Often using buildings of character or involving
the sharing of the hosts’ home. May be located in the city or
country as an escape experience, or in popular destinations close to
attractions.

Motels

Generally small to medium scale developments with the majority of

existing stock built in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Usually located near
an urban centre on a major transit route. Attracts the relatively price
sensitive ‘on the move’ traveller, who basically requires bed and food
for the night, or budget to medium price range holiday market.

Holiday Apartments

Generally small to medium scale establishments similar to serviced

apartments but in a holiday destination – usually coastal. The
emphasis is on self-catering and recreational facilities
accommodating families and larger price sensitive groups. Easy
access to main features of holiday destination important, like the
beach.

Resorts

Resorts may be medium scale and specialised or large scale and

diverse and are often destinations in their own right (they provide the
motivation for a visit). They provide a range of accommodation
forms and recreational facilities. Often with a theme focus (marina,
health, golf) they generally cater for up market leisure and
conference visitors.

Holiday Villages

Generally modest priced accommodation in coastal holiday location

with outdoor and indoor recreation facilities on site and of a medium
to large-scale. May include several types of accommodation
options, including villas, cabins and camping facilities. Caters
primarily for family groups.

25
Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

Mixed Developments

These are generally large developments that comprise a mixture of

residential, retail and tourism components. They are often located
around an appealing focus (marina, golf course, river frontage) but
are rarely a tourism development in themselves. Visitor attractions
and facilities are integrated into the residential and recreational life
of the locality.

Caravan and Camping Parks

Providing economy temporary accommodation for the drive market

and for backpackers. Often located in coastal areas, in National
Parks and townships.

There is a strong trend towards providing cabins in this type of

accommodation market.

Health retreats

Purpose designed retreats providing opportunity for rejuvenation and

health promotion in a tranquil environment. This form of
accommodation is likely to be located in rural or coastal areas in a
natural environment.

Backpacker Accommodation

Small to medium scale self-catering developments providing for the

most price sensitive part of the market. Backpacker lodges or youth
hostels involve shared rooms and facilities and a communal kitchen.
Some have additional recreational facilities. Generally located in
central city or a popular destination location. Caters for the ‘free and
independent’ market seeking secure and comfortable rooms at
cheap rates.

26
 Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

Appendix 2
Suggested Council wide policies for Tourism Development
in regional South Australia

OBJECTIVES

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Objective 1: Sustainable tourism development which:

a. accords with the broad objectives of the zone

b. assists in the interpretation and wider public
appreciation of significant natural and cultural
features
c. complements and respects the uniqueness or
intrinsic character of buildings and places
d. sustains the values and the visitor appeal on which
the product or service is, in the first instance,
premised.

Tourists are increasingly discerning and seek to gain a genuine

insight into the district being explored, to sample the culture and
way-of-life of its host communities, and to gain a first-hand
experience of its natural assets.

Sustainable tourism involves adapting and modifying the natural

environment only as is necessary to support the tourist activity
without loss of the land’s intrinsic natural character and values.

Development that has genuine tourist appeal will be ‘derived’ from

the qualities of the site and its locality and will be consistent with the
interests of the community. Tourism development should therefore
be considered suitable in a wide range of locations, except where it
would detract from the conduct of desired uses, or result in
unmanageable outcomes.

Objective 2: Development of tourist facilities and

accommodation serving visitors and benefiting the
local community, in particular, which:

a. adds value to local produce and to farm gate

incomes
b. adds vitality to townships or service settlements
c. generates investment which revitalises and
sustains places, features or services benefiting the
community at large
d. generates employment and other enterprise
spin-offs
e. maximises the thermal performance, comfort and
energy efficiency of all buildings through building
design and material selection and promotes the
conservation of water resources.
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Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia
Tourism is a diverse industry involved in the transport, feeding,
entertaining, accommodation, and care of visitors. The
accommodation of visitors and guests should be an intrinsic part of
the tourism experience. Tourism development should add to the
range of services and accommodation available. Choice is the key.
This will help contribute to greater length of stay, greater visitor
expenditure in the area and repeat visits.
Opportunities for tourism development occur throughout the State. A
spread of tourism products and services throughout the State, and
the forging of linkages and synergies with other local attractions, will
also enhance the visitor’s experience and business viability.
Its continued growth is dependent upon a number of factors
including maintaining premium quality (and supporting the State’s
reputation and recognition for excellence in food and wine),
identifying and serving niche markets, optimising the capture and
returns from those markets and expanding into new markets.
Objective 3: Protection of areas of exceptional natural, cultural
and historical value in a way that ensures its
values are conserved while also allowing for
appropriate levels of visitation and associated
tourism development.
The State’s cultural, historic and natural assets are unique and many
are not publicly owned. The private sector plays a significant role in
the protection of those assets and enabling visitors to learn about
and better appreciate these special places and environments.
Nature and coastal retreats and genuine visitor experiences are
appropriate in remote and natural areas of the State provided the
design and development, following a proper analysis of site features
and conditions, identifies how activity, visitation and building(s) can
be introduced with minimal impact and intrusion.
Design, siting and ongoing property management will need to
achieve excellence in environmental protection and management,
including limiting waste and reducing personal and property risks.
The potential for recycling and/or demounting of low-key structures
in sensitive environments will also need to be considered.
All such development should maintain the value and enhance the
general public appreciation or enjoyment of the natural resource.
There may be locations where tourism development of any form
should not take place because of the high environmental value
and/or sensitivity.
28
PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
1. Tourism development should provide appropriate and unique
visitor experiences, and harness, conserve and support the built
and natural character and intrinsic values of the land.
2. Tourism development should be located, developed and
managed:
a. in accord with the range of uses generally appropriate
under the zoning or structure plan
b. to not detrimentally impact on existing uses; and in any
event, should not compromise the achievement of the zone
or policy area objectives.
3. Tourism development should not be located in agricultural areas
where it could prejudice agricultural productivity generally by
limiting the application of land management techniques
reasonably required to sustain agricultural production.
4. Tourism development on publicly owned land, or where located
in an area enjoying high public access, should not restrict public
access to such places.
5. Tourism development should only alter the natural, cultural
and/or historical resources of a site or locality in a manner
which provides for public use while contributing to the ongoing
maintenance and conservation of such resources by protecting
biodiversity.
a. Tourism development should be of a scale and nature that
supports and sustains the integrity of the site.
6. Tourism development in a natural environment should only be
developed where its scale and form, and isolation from existing
or approved tourism development, would not overwhelm, over
commercialise or detract from the intrinsic natural values of the
land or its locality, and should not be located adjacent to other
similar scale tourist development.
7. Tourism development should be serviced, or be capable of being
serviced, by roads, power, water, telecommunications and waste
disposal facilities to meet the anticipated demands. In remote
areas alternative, appropriate technologies which use renewable
energy sources and/or treat and re-use stormwater and
wastewater may supplement conventional, mains, services
provided demands for such services can be limited to
appropriate, deliverable, levels.
8. Any upgrading of infrastructure to serve tourism development
should be consistent with the landscape and the intrinsic values
of the land and the basis of its appeal.

Outside Townships (Rural Areas)
9. Tourism development should only be located in rural districts
where it:
a. has a functional and/or location requirement linked with
agricultural production or processing carried out from the
land; or
b. involves the interpretation of an attribute of natural, cultural
or historical interest; or
c. relies on the features of the land or its setting as an
intrinsic basis for its attraction.
Such forms of tourism development include visitor
accommodation, cellar door and factory direct sales, together
with interpretive, hospitality and support services for visitors.
10. Tourism development outside townships or designated tourism
development zones or areas should:
a. adapt and upgrade existing buildings in preference to
constructing new buildings
b. improve conditions in disturbed or degraded areas in
preference to locating in pristine areas
where such sites and buildings are capable of orderly and
efficient adaptation for such purposes.
11. Buildings associated with tourism development outside
townships or tourism development zones or areas should be set
back:
a. from a public road – a minimum of 100 metres unless set
behind, or within an existing building
b. from a water course – a minimum of 25 metres for
buildings and 50 metres for associated waste disposal
areas (from a watercourse identified on a current 1:50 000
topographic map (SA Government published)) and not on
flood prone land
c. adjoining primary producers (other than where used for
grazing) a minimum of 300 metres except:
i where the development provides adequate protection to
noise sensitive activities such as habitable rooms of
tourism accommodation through acoustic treatment,
building orientation and design, or other means
ii where the development incorporates suitable landscape
treatment so as to adequately protect against spray
drift and dust from adjoining properties
d. from intensive animal keeping/rural industries – a minimum
of 1000 metres - a greater or lesser distance may be
appropriate to provide adequate separation, given
topographic or prevailing climatic conditions
Appendix 2
Within Townships
12. Tourism development within townships should:
a. maintain and enhance identifiable built harmony or
character (without mimicking or reproducing existing built
character), particularly in terms of:
i the predominant setback and orientation of buildings;
ii consistent proportion or spacing of buildings; and
iii built form, bulk and composition of buildings;
b. create buildings of individuality and durable appeal,
designed to reflect and harmonise with any built or natural
elements or features with which the town or settlement is
associated
c. utilise and adapt existing structurally sound and appealing
buildings in preference to developing new sites to assist in
revitalisation and economic use of existing building stock
and to minimise new and potentially discordant building
elements.
13. Township-based tourism development should promote the
compact infill of closely settled areas rather than expanding the
town beyond established town boundaries.
Tourist Accommodation Within Townships – Associated with a
Dwelling
14. Tourist accommodation developed on the site of, or as part of, a
dwelling or dwelling extension, is an appropriate form of
development generally throughout living areas where its built
scale and site development (including signage) harmonises with
its residential surrounds.
15. Car parking for tourist accommodation associated with a
dwelling should be provided at a rate (in excess of that
associated with the dwelling) of one additional space for each
guest room or suite of rooms, such that:
a. guest and resident parking spaces can be accessed
independently
b. parking areas are attractively developed and landscaped, or
screen fenced, and do not dominate the street frontage
c. sensitive rooms, particularly bedrooms of residential
neighbours are suitably shielded from noise and headlight
glare associated with guest vehicle movements
d. a domestic character is retained through the maintenance
of significant trees and site features and the use of low-key
domestic paving materials as necessary to provide a
suitable all-weather surface
e. runoff from permeable areas is directed to swales, or
sediment and gravel reed beds, before entering bores,
acquifers or the stormwater system.
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Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia
Protection of the Natural Environment, Biodiversity
and Character
16. Tourism development outside townships or tourism development
zones or areas should minimise any impacts on the natural
environment or rural character, and in particular, should:
a. be sited and designed so as not to intrude upon significant
landscape features or environmental qualities
b. be of a scale and form, and incorporate essential design
elements, which reflect the character and quality of the
landscape and the natural environment and creatively
capture the features and qualities of the land
c. be located unobtrusively and utilise natural landscape
features such as vegetation and landforms to enclose the
space around the development and reduce its exposure to
public roads and prominence from view points, adjoining
properties and the coast
d. be located where the loss of existing native or significant
vegetation is minimised
e. not give rise to pest plant infestation of areas of native
vegetation
f. avoid disturbance to biodiversity, particularly threatened
species and ecological communities, existing natural
landforms through excessive excavation and/or filling of the
land
g. utilise materials, colours and finishes which complement the
natural surrounds.
17. Tourism development should be sensitive to and where possible
enhance the valued landscape quality and other environmental
resources, maintain the valued environmental quality or
otherwise support the ongoing management and restoration of
sensitive environments including areas:
a. providing a significant habitat for rare or endangered wildlife
b. having a high biodiversity
c. having particular value as a remnant of plant associations
characteristic of the district or region prior to extensive
clearance
d. of scientific, archaeological, historic, or cultural significance
e. being a wetland, or otherwise including plant and animal
species characteristically associated with such
environments;
and should only be undertaken after detailed site analysis, and
the consideration of design, siting and management issues.
The resultant site analysis plan should be submitted as part of
the development application and illustrate all design influences
on the development proposal.
18. Tourism development in remote districts and natural
environments should incorporate low impact site development
techniques, including:
a. minimising stormwater discharge through:
i reduction of hard surfaces
ii the capture of potable roof water, and diversion of
stormwater from hardstand areas to soakage and/or
irrigation areas
30
b. alternative water diversion technologies and wherever
possible the avoidance of the use of existing natural
streams and watercourses for stormwater management to
ensure there is no adverse impact on the integrity of a
watercourse
c. minimising erosion and the transport of sediment, as well
as toxins and debris, downstream through the use of
appropriate entrapment and/or soakage measures at
stormwater outfalls
d. re-using wastewater, exploiting natural climatic features and
designing buildings to minimise energy and water demands
and the reliance on ‘mains services’
e. siting and orientating development, and using materials,
construction and management techniques, so as to
maintain all sources of noise, light, odour, dust and other
emissions at the site boundaries to ambient or pre-
development levels
f. using natural features and placing signs and walkways to
direct potentially damaging visitor activities away from areas
of cultural or natural significance, fragile areas, and areas of
highest environmental value
g. construction techniques and materials for light weight
structures (but not project transportable structures) that are
capable of being disassembled and removed from the site
and re-established elsewhere with the site being returned to
its natural state
h. using construction techniques and materials, and
management practices, which limit human and
environmental exposure to hazards, wastes or residues of a
toxic nature (in particular, timber treatments, paints and
resins, insulating materials, termite, insect and vermin
control, and underground petroleum storage tanks)
i. using indigenous or locally sourced materials, where
practical and where such materials are not scarce, rare or
endangered
j. undertaking vehicle and construction area hygiene practices
to minimize the impact of weed invasion and plant and
animal disease eg washing down vehicles before entering
and after exiting a site to prevent spread of Phythopthera
cinnamomi
k. siting and design of buildings, fences, structures and
earthworks (including dams and levees) so as to minimize
interference with the natural overland water flow,
watercourses or established wildlife corridors for movement
of native birds and animals
l. minimising the impact of the motor vehicle on the visual
and ambient qualities by placing roadways and parking
areas in unobtrusive locations, whilst meeting functional
access and parking demands and establishing a sense of
arrival.
19. Development should minimize energy requirements, maximize
efficient use of energy and reduce greenhouse gas emission
through:
a. promoting the use of renewable energy sources in
development

b. siting and design that maximises solar access through both
allotment and building/roof orientation to allow to enable
effective use of solar collectors
c. providing adequate thermal comfort for occupants while
minimizing the need for fossil fuel sources of energy for
heating and cooling
d. using low embodied energy materials, and materials which
enable development to be climate responsive. Eg enable
good thermal performance.
20. Development should promote sustainable use of water supplies
based on the principles of avoidance, reduction, re-use and
appropriate disposal.
21. Development should be designed and constructed and take
place in a manner which:
a. minimizes impacts on biodiversity both on site and in
surrounding localities (eg invasion of pest species and fire
management)
b. enhances the longer term protection and management of
biodiversity
c. provides linkages and corridors between areas of native
vegetation
d. rehabilitates degraded areas and uses local indigenous
species in land scaping
e. protects the conservation values of adjacent coastal and
marine environments.
22. Development should incorporate appropriate risk management
provisions in response to the siting and design, particularly the
physical condition of the land, including its propensity to flood,
storm or fire hazard, or incidence of landslip, erosion risk, or
ground instability.
23. Private access tracks to tourist accommodation in areas where
there is a significant risk of bushfires should provide safe and
convenient access for fire fighting vehicles and evacuation
purposes.
24. Suitable access should be provided to dams and other open
water supplies to be utilised for fire fighting purposes.
25. Tourist accommodation in areas where there is a significant risk
of bushfires should:
a. be sited to minimize the danger of or damage from bush
fires. Ridge tops and steep slopes should be avoided
b. be sited on the least vegetated parts of the land and set
back at least 20 metres from existing hazardous vegetation
to avoid the need for further vegetation clearance or
removal of a significant tree for fire protection purposes
c. retain native vegetation where it does not contribute
significantly to fire hazard and be designed and constructed
in accordance with accepted standards to minimize the
danger of damage from bushfires
d. have a water supply, independent of mains reticulation,
available at all times for fire fighting which is:
Appendix 2
i located adjacent to the building or in another
convenient location on the allotment;
ii always clearly identified and accessible to fire fighting
vehicles; and
iii of sufficient capacity according to the level of bushfire
risk;
e. incorporate landscaping that provides bushfire protection
measures which minimise the risk to life or damage to
buildings and property in the event of a fire and assists in
preventing or slowing the spread of fire;
f. not have landscaping that:
i would result in branches overhanging the roof of any
building; and
ii would result in a tree being planted closer to any
building or overhead power line than a distance that is
equivalent to its likely mature height.
26. Development should make suitable provision for the storage and
disposal of organic and hard waste. In any event:
a. bins for the deposit of waste/litter by the public, in a public,
or publicly accessible, place should be sufficient in number
and conveniently placed for the likely demands
b. bins/hoppers for all wastes should be discretely placed,
and/or screened from public view, and accessible to
vehicles required in the removal of such waste
c. organic or putrescible wastes should be placed and sealed,
and regularly removed from the site to appropriate disposal
sites, so as not to become odorous and offensive
d. waste bins and storage facilities should be secured against
the weather to prevent access by foraging animals, vermin
and insects
e. hard, inert waste should be stored out of public view and
removed so often as is required.
27. The holding, transport and disposal of all wastes should not
affect personal health or environmental conditions nor give rise
to odorous, offensive or unsightly conditions, nor impact on
stream or groundwaters, native wildlife, air quality or the
sanitary condition of the land.
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 Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

Appendix 3
Site selection, the site analysis process and application
information needs for medium-scale tourist
accommodation development in ‘sensitive’ Coastal and
Conservation Zones.

SELECTING A SITE
A comprehensive site analysis is required to ensure tourism
development is designed with nature rather than with token regard
to nature. The intended outcome is development that is responsive
to the prevailing natural and cultural site attributes, which
demonstrates that people can live in balance with nature. This will
be expressed and presented to the visitor through creative and
informative interpretation to raise understanding and appreciation of
the environment.

The ideal site for a tourism development should be determined by

selecting an area of high tourism value and high environmental
resilience (eg stable soils, no endangered species etc). The location
of a tourism development may also depend on the availability of
infrastructure, staff and access. If these are not readily available
they can be provided by the use of alternative infrastructure
technologies, staff facilities on-site, and new access in negotiation
with the local and State authorities.

It is important to ensure that development in environmentally

sensitive areas is located close to, but not within, the feature that is
attractive to tourists. The item or area of attraction should not be
irrevocably altered by the development so that it no longer retains its
original features (as well as avoiding any environmental damage).

A summary of design issues that should be assessed is as follows:

• existing cultural, natural and ecological values

• local values – ambience/character
• siting and orientation
• building height, mass, and intensity
• materials and colours
• landscape-building integration
• creation of sense of arrival, spaces and vistas
• micro-climatic effects and seasonal adaptability
• related activities – management implications
• interpretation of the cultural and natural environment
• reducing the impact of the motor vehicle
• waste management; and
• risk management approaches.

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Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

A site should be selected which enhances the locality and: SCOPE OF THE SITE ANALYSIS PLAN

• is clear of significant native vegetation Typically, a Site Analysis Plan should illustrate the following
• is clear of indigenous cultural features information:
• where the existing important view to the site is preserved
• that retains existing important views out of the site plan details
• that requires relatively little excavation. • Scale plan 1:100 to 1:500 (depending on the size of the site)
All development should respect and if possible enhance its setting. • Show site boundary, allotment dimensions, scale and north point
The importance of an area within which a site is being sought can
be understood from existing studies and reports, as well as local climatic conditions
knowledge. In doing so reference should be made to the council • Monthly temperature and rainfall ranges
Development Plan, and other plans such as council Strategic Plans, • Prevailing winds
Development Board reports, and SA Tourism Commission reports. • Aspect to sun rise and set
• Overshadowing from existing features
SITE ANALYSIS
topography and geology
The type and detail of information to be provided with a development • Contours and slope analysis (steepness, eg 1 in 10)
application will depend upon such factors as the type, scale and • Direction of fall of the site
intensity of development as well as the character and location of the • Natural drainage lines or watercourses
site. In all cases, the aim should be to provide clear and • Geological features
comprehensive information to assist the planning authority (usually • Soil contamination
the local Council) in assessing the proposal. Demonstration of how
the design relates to the site conditions and Development Plan services
policies will usually speed up the approval process. • Existing services, connection points and easements
• Existing pedestrian and vehicle access points
The purpose of a Site Analysis is to encourage the • Existing trails (walking, cycling, bridle)
proponent/designer to undertake a thorough assessment of the site
and the surrounding area and to identify opportunities and existing buildings on site
constraints for the resultant layout and design. A Site Analysis Plan • Location of any existing buildings
is a graphic depiction of the various factors that have influenced the • Buildings to be retained or demolished
design process. When submitted with a development application, • Heritage value of any existing buildings
the Site Analysis Plan will assist the planning authority by
highlighting why a certain design response has been chosen. vegetation on site
• Type, location and size of existing trees and plants
The following is a list of matters that should generally be considered • Condition - robust/degraded vegetation, distribution
as part of the Site Analysis process.
adjoining property conditions
CONSULTATION • Land uses and activities, including possible future land uses
(as per zoning)
Prior to submitting an application applicants are encouraged to • Potential topographic separation
discuss their proposal with council officers and service providers at • Location and height of buildings
the early concept stage. In certain circumstances, it may also be • Any special features such as significant vegetation,
advisable to consult adjoining land owners/occupiers. watercourses etc
• Type, height and condition of boundary fences
Following the receipt of an application, the planning authority may be
obliged to consult neighbours and, in some instances, the wider views
community. Depending on the location and nature of the application, • Significant views from the site and site viewpoints
referral may also be required to various Government agencies for • Significant views into the site by neighbours or passers by
comment and/or direction. The Development Act and Regulations • Topographic attributes relevant to siting of structures
1993 and the relevant Development Plan provide details on the
nature of this consultation and/or referral. potential external pollution sources
• Noise
• Dust
• Spray drift
• Odours
• Discharges

34
 Appendix 3

access APPLICATION INFORMATION CHECKLIST

• Level and condition of access roads
• Other users of access roads In addition to a Site Analysis Plan, proponents are expected to
• Safety aspects (eg sight lines) submit sufficiently detailed information on the development proposal.
• Local transport and parking conditions in the road reserve Typically for tourist developments, this could comprise a Site
• Existing vegetation in the immediate vicinity Development Plan, Landscape Plan, Risk Management Plan and
Interpretation Plan, as well as detailed drawings of the proposal
risks showing floor plans, elevations and cross sections. The following
• Flood prone areas checklist is intended to assist proponents during the course of
• Soil/cliff stability etc preparing a development application.
• Bushfire potential (including from external sources)
SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
wildlife habitats
• Species diversity and habitat value The objective of this plan is to convey the design concept for the
• Wildlife corridors site. It should illustrate the following features:
• Migratory patterns
development vision
environmental issues in locality • Desired character and experiences
• Erosion • Target market
• Plant, soil diseases • Development Ethics
• Groundwater
development components and activities
indigenous features • Number of buildings/units
• Native title • Configuration of buildings/units
• Protection of sites/artefacts • Spatial distribution of all structures
• History
layout
potential interpretive features • A minimum scale site plan of 1:200
• Cultural/heritage/history • All buildings and their external and internal layout, including
• Ecological processes/geology window locations
• Endangered species • Car parking spaces
• Environmental restoration • Any shared facilities
• Indigenous sites/artefacts/history • All elevations
• Relationship of elevations to natural ground level, showing any
relationship to local communities cut or fill
• Identification of adjacent communities • Details of proposed fencing abutting roads and adjacent
• Cultural identity properties
• Distinctive architectural vernacular
response to site attributes
coastal features (if applicable) • Siting relative to topographic features and vegetation
• High and low water marks • Building height, mass and intensity
• Coastal processes • Building form, orientation, micro-climate response
• Marine features • External materials and finishes including colours
• Management response to any site analysis issues identified
Having considered all of the above matters a summary in the form of • Design and construction form and technique that demonstrates
a list and description of the potential issues should be prepared, the impermanence of the structure and capacity to restore site
which is then translated into a Site Analysis Plan. This enables the to natural conditions in the future
proponent/designer to respond to the issues and for the assessment
authority to see how they have been addressed. The illustration views and vistas
below shows in a simple manner some of the matters to be • Buildings relationship to ridge lines
considered and shown as part of a Site Analysis Plan. • Views from within the site
• Visual impact of development from external vantage points
• First impressions – sense of arrival

interface with neighbouring uses

• Topographic siting, separation distances, screening and other
measures to minimise potential conflict with neighbours

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Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

vehicle movement and parking
• Management and means of reducing visual impact of motor
vehicles within the site
• Road reserve dimensions
• Location of kerb edge, widths of medians, verges and footpaths
and cycle ways
• Location and width of driveways and crossovers
• Design, colour and finish of all street pavements, parking bays,
bus stops, kerbs, paths, crossovers, medians and verges
• Location and quantity of on-site parking
• Location and design of any traffic calming devices
site furniture
• Design and location of all proposed site furniture (eg seats, bins,
signs) and lighting
services
• Methods of accessing/generating power and water
• Location of proposed services and whether overhead or
underground
• Stormwater management treatments
• Waste water treatment
(NB: Applicants are encouraged to explore appropriate and plentiful
collaborative ‘alternative’ sustainable technologies to provide these
services, particularly in remote areas.)
proposed construction methods
• Retention of top soil plant gene pool for redistribution post
construction
• Measures to prevent introduction of plant/soil based diseases
and pest plants
• Measures to protect existing vegetation
• Measures to protect quality of water runoff from the site
• Identification of all species to be planted and their suitability to
the site
soft landscape
• Planting concept, showing lawn areas, graded areas, trees and
planting themes, and ultimate tree canopy, with botanical and
common names
• Planting proposed for privacy screening
• Overland drainage proposals
hard landscape surfaces
• Outline of all hard paved areas (including communal roadways,
driveways and paths) and identification of purpose; paving
materials and drainage treatment
• Hard landscape structures, details of any fencing and walls;
proposed privacy screens; location of gates, seating, play
equipment; materials and levels of steps and ramps
site facilities
• Details of landscaping to garbage bin storage or standing areas
• Details of any proposed signage
• Concept details of additional facilities, such as barbecues and
swimming pools
services
• Lighting for vehicle areas, cycle and pedestrian paths, and
security
• Location of underground services
• Location and treatment of substations and meters.
SITE/LOCALITY INTERPRETATION PLAN
The site interpretation plan, which reflects the authentic story of the
locality and site, should include:

LANDSCAPE PLAN • Ecological processes

The intent of this plan is to define the character, structure and • Wildlife, marine life etc
treatment of proposed landscape development to the site. It should • History/heritage
show the following features: • Stories
• Indigenous culture
plan details
• Preferred plan scale 1:100 or 1:200 HAZARDS AND RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN
• Existing and proposed levels The intent of this plan is to demonstrate the response to particular
• Site and building boundaries risks identified during the site analysis. This should include:
• Outline of buildings, showing windows, doors and ground-floor
levels • Bushfire management strategy
• Location and canopy of existing trees, adjacent roads and trees • Damage to environment
• Emergency rescue
statement of landscape intent
• Purpose and function of landscape
• Desired character and theme

landscape structure
• Connection to parks or other open space networks
• Intended location of all open space (eg communal areas, service
and storage)
• Identification of major tree planting; scale of trees relative to
buildings

36

Appendix 4
TOURISM STRATEGY PLANNING AT THE LOCAL LEVEL
A strategic tourism planning approach should be:
Goal oriented – with clear recognition of tourism’s role in achieving
broad community goals.
Integrative – including tourism planning issues in the mainstream
of corporate planning and planning for the economy, conservation,
parks, heritage, land use, and infrastructure.
Market driven – planning for development that meets the needs of
people and so will trade successfully in a competitive market place.
Resource driven – developing assets which build on the
destination’s inherent strengths while protecting and enhancing the
attributes and experiences of tourism sites.
Consultative – with meaningful community input to determine what
is acceptable to the local population.
Systematic – drawing on, or undertaking research to provide
conceptual or predictive support for planners. In particular, drawing
on the experience of other tourism destinations in terms of the
lessons learnt.
The approach advocated below is but one option available to
councils and variations should be considered to reflect the particular
opportunities and circumstances. In some cases a number of
abutting councils may wish to initiate strategic planning at a regional
level, particularly where the region and its attributes are marketed
and perceived as a distinct entity.
A local planning process for tourism is illustrated in Figure 2. The
approach is predicated on thorough background research, including
the identification of existing and potential tourism markets, followed
by workshops with local and professional input.
A local community workshop(s) should attempt to identify:
primary values – what residents and visitors value about the area
aspirations – what role residents wish tourism to play in the
economic and social development of the community
fears – what concerns residents have about the impact of tourism
on the community
Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia
possibilities – what the special characteristics of the area are locals
wish to share with visitors
warts – what things detract from the area being a pleasant place to
visit.
A second, more intensive workshop involving key community people
and specialist professionals (eg in tourism, heritage, environment
etc) should follow in order to integrate:
• community views
• market trends
• area strengths and weaknesses, to establish the key elements
concerning:
• market positioning
• the vision
• constraints and opportunities
• objectives
• key strategies and actions
• policies
• implementation (responsibilities and timelines).
This process should establish what kind of tourism will meet
community objectives, how a township, area or region should
‘position’ itself in a competitive market, what product needs to be
developed to meet market needs, what infrastructure should be put
in place, and how to overcome constraints such as seasonality.
Importantly, it should identify any shortcomings of existing
Development Plan policy, as well as other council policy documents
such as its corporate plan, and inform future policy changes.
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Draft Sustainable tourism development in regional South Australia

A REGIONAL PLANNING PROCESS FOR TOURISM

1. GOALS 10. REVIEW

Within the tourism and conservation philosophies Monitor and review implementation procedures.
of the state, establish what is to be achieved by the
process. OUTCOMES
Periodic reports on implementation and
OUTCOME recommendations for plan amendments.
Clear statement of purpose.

9. CONSULTATION
Consult with key organisations and the community.
2. POTENTIAL ANALYSIS
Examine broad market trends OUTCOMES
Analyse area’s tourism assets, strengths and Concise document outlining 1 to 8.
weaknesses. Plan Amendment Report as required.
Undertake competitor analysis. Amendment to Tourism Plan as appropriate.
Determine community goals.
Determine the existing and potential role of tourism
in the area’s economy.
8. MPLEMENTATION
OUTCOMES Devise implementation mechanism – programme of
Statement of tourism's potential and work, organisational responsibilities and timelines.
priority in community development Identify changes to existing legislation.

OUTCOME
Implementation strategy.

3. MARKET ANALYSIS
Analyse the tourism market – trends, market
segments, characteristics and needs, growth potential. 7. INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT
Identify fit between market forces and the area’s Identify and detail Identify and detail
assets and resources. infrastructure required to infrastructure required
Determine market position. support investment and to manage visitors
Identify major product gaps. provide for visitor needs. impacts.

OUTCOMES
Target markets identified. Identify and describe opportunities for the
Statement of market positioning. interpretation of features of visitor interest.
Major product gaps identified.
OUTCOME
Prioritised programme of infrastructure works.

4. SCENARIOS
Identify preliminary ‘primary values’.
Identify alternative future tourism scenarios.
Examine implications of growth. 6. DETAILED ASSESMENT FOR :
Select preferred scenario. Economic Environmental
Identify constraints to achieving preferred scenario. Sustainability Sustainability
Establish tourism objectives and strategies. Identify and evaluate Analyse environmental
natural and built and landscape values.
tourism resources. Identify conflicts and
OUTCOMES Specify potential constraints to tourism
Draft statement of desired future role and character development development.
of tourism in the area. opportunities consistent
Statement of objectives and strategies. with positioning.

OUTCOMES
Revise objectives and strategies.
5. CONSULTATIONS
Tourism character areas identified specifying
Consult with key organizations and the community
appropriate types and scales of development.
through interviews and workshops as appropriate.
Development principles and planning specifications
Present results of investigations and proposals.
for character units.
Identify community’s primary values, key issues and
Major development opportunities and performance
problems.
criteria specified.

OUTCOME
Vision or statement of an agreed ‘Desired Future
Character’.

This process should establish what kind of tourism will meet
community objectives, how a township, areas of region should
‘position’ itself in a competitive market, what product needs to be
developed to meet market needs, what infrastructure should be put
in place, and how to overcome constraints such as seasonality.
Importantly, it should identify any need to amend existing
Development Plan policy, as well as other council policy documents
such as its strategic management plans, and inform future policy
changes.

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Appendix 5
COASTAL TOURISM – BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES

A survey of best practice approaches for coastal tourism identified

the following key policy issues:

• Ensure that development contributes to the protection and

enhancement of the natural resources of coastal areas
• All issues relating to the social, economic, and environmental
impacts should be assessed and an integrated approach taken
to determine appropriateness of areas and sites for development
• Development should contribute to conserving biological diversity,
and significant flora and fauna vegetation and animal life should
be protected
• Development should not lead to sprawl along the coast and
should be of a scale and density that is appropriate to the
carrying capacity of the site and area. This could have impacts
both from a visual and environmental perspective
• Zones and coastal areas that are currently unsatisfactorily
developed should be rehabilitated and re-developed before any
new areas are opened up for tourism development
• Infrastructure, including that required for access (air, sea, land),
should be adequate (or able to be provided) and should not lead
to environmental degradation
• Development should include adequate setback distances from
the coast (particularly important from a hazard risk perspective)
• Roads should be adequate for the projected demand and should
be designed to have the least impact on the coastal
environment and amenity
• The sea should be protected from pollution discharges and
effluent systems must be appropriate for the coastal
environment
• Tourist accommodation should be integrated with the natural
environment and should reflect local architectural values and
include energy sources that involve use of low amounts of non-
renewable resources
• Public access to the coast should be maintained and board
walks and other low impact pathways should be established to
protect fragile areas
• Development should not conflict with other activities and coastal
attractions (important in the context of the recently announced
Marine Protected Areas)
• Support facilities needed for maintenance of the tourist
operation should be clearly identified. This includes assessment
and identification of any seasonal fluctuation that may occur
either in use of infrastructure, level of local employment or other
economic impacts that may result
• Proposals for Eco Tourism type developments in fragile areas
should be based firstly upon interpretation, education and
enhancing the natural environment and not purely upon
commercial aspects of tourism
• Coastal tourism development should have benefits for the local
community in which it is located.

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Appendix 6
REFERENCES

Planning for Tourism – A Handbook for South Australia, Tourism

South Australia, 1990
Draft State Tourism Planning 2002-2007, South Australian Tourism
Commission
Nature Based Tourism Strategy, South Australian Tourism
Commission, July 2000
Coastal and Marine Tourism Strategy, South Australian Tourism
Commission
Tourism Means Business: A Resource for Local Government, South
Australian Tourism Commission 2002
Draft Planning Strategy – for the Development of Regional South
Australia, August 2001
Marine Protected Areas: A shared vision, Draft for Public
Consultation, Government of South Australia, August 1998
Our Seas and Coasts: A Marine and Estuarine Strategy for South
Australia, Government of South Australia, August 1998
South Australian Nature Based Competitor Analysis: Accommodation
South Australian Tourism Commission, February 2002
Challenging Negative Perceptions of Tourism Development, South
Australian Tourism Commission, November 2001
Survey of Community Attitudes to Tourism, McGregor Tan Research,
South Australian Tourism Commission, 2001.

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Notes / Comments

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