A new world-class golf destination at Kangaroo Island has been given the green light.
The Cliffs, Kangaroo Island will be built on a 600-acre parcel of ocean-front land near Pelican Lagoon on the pristine island off the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia.
Kangaroo Island Links director Andrew Purchase and course architect Darius Oliver, part of the same team responsible for Cape Wickham Links on King Island, announced today that the SA government had granted "development authorisation".
The company said it would explore joint venture opportunities for resort and residential elements of the project, which includes a luxury clubhouse/lodge and 180-bed hotel as well as scope for restaurants, conference facilities, and a luxury day spa and health club.
In approving the final design variation, South Australian Deputy Premier John Rau said: "This development will create an international tourist destination that brings visitors to Kangaroo Island to play golf on one of the world’s most spectacular courses and also experience the pristine natural environment.
"The golf resort will build the attractiveness of the island as a holiday destination and complement existing drawcards, such as the Southern Ocean Lodge Resort and the new Wilderness Trail."
The initial project plan was approved in February 2016, purchased by Kangaroo Island Links last July and audited by Darius Oliver soon afterwards.
"Like on King Island, the golf site at Pelican Lagoon has tremendous natural potential and is ready-made for great golf," Oliver said.
"The vast majority of holes are just sitting there on the ground and will require little more than clearing, grassing and some light shaping.
"While the golf along the cliffs is stunning, I believe the inland holes to be at least as good, and arguably the most interesting on the course.
"Being able to create such a fun layout on Kangaroo Island and along such a beautiful stretch of coastline is a real thrill.
"Golfers from all corners of the globe are going to fall in love with this place. There isn’t anything like Kangaroo Island anywhere in the world."
Kangaroo Island Links is working with the SA Government to satisfy conditions on the development authorisation and hopes to confirm a construction schedule and make course design announcements in the near future.
The SA government hopes its ongoing investment in infrastructure and tourism, including the $18million development of the new Kangaroo Island airport supported by direct flights from across Australia, ensures the island's future as a key tourist destination.