Eco-sensitive Accommodation on the Wilderness Trail

The planning and approval process

In January 2017, the State Government issued an Invitation for Proposal for the development and operation of accommodation facilities and services associated with the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (KIWT).

Proposals were assessed against evaluation criteria to ensure the selected proponent was able to meet the required eco-sensitive standards of development.

In February 2018, the State Government announced The Australian Walking Company (AWC) as the successful proponent.

The key authorising document for this project is the Park Management Plan, which was prepared in 2000. In 2015, the Department consulted with the community regarding a potential amendment, which was made in 2017 to provide for the development of “small scale, ecologically sensitive accommodation”.

The proposals are consistent with the amended Park Management Plan.

The Development Regulations 2008 provide that the relevant authority to assess development in this area, a Conservation Zone, is the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP).

Three development approvals have been submitted by AWC to SCAP, one for each night/node: 1. Sandy Creek (Night 1) 2. Sanderson Bay (Night 3) 3. Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse Keepers Cottages (Night 2).

As category 1 development, the three development approvals for accommodation in the park have been referred to the following groups: • Coast Protection Board • Heritage (Cape Du Couedic only) • Natural Resources, Kangaroo Island • South Australia Country Fire Service • Native Vegetation Council • (planning and technical comments for consideration).

Following consideration of the DAs, there is a separate process for the assessment and approval of native vegetation clearance, which includes public consultation and must consider representations made in writing in relation to granting or refusing the application.

Community consultation

AWC has commenced a public information process. An initial three and a half hour community drop- in session was held at the KI Yacht Club on Tuesday 20 November and a further public information session is planned as the company’s development assessment progresses.

The AWC has also commenced discussions with key stakeholders and representative groups, including the local Kangaroo Island Council.

Environment, social and economic impact assessment

The DEW EOI document was designed to ensure that the successful proponent best addressed the criteria of economically, environmentally and socially responsible development.

Commercial lease

The Crown remains the owner of the land and the AWC will fund and own their infrastructure.

Flinders Chase National Park will remain accessible to members of the public and commercial tour operators (CTOs). The KIWT will continue to be run and managed by DEW.

The inclusion of the AWC’s eco-sensitive accommodation will provide another option to trail walkers.

A commercial lease arrangement has been negotiated between DEW and the AWC. The terms of the lease are confidential.

Impact on the west coast

The proposed accommodation is located on the west coast of Flinders Chase National Park, which has wild land qualities and is recognised as a special and impressive place.

The design, placement and management of the trail accommodation will seek to minimise impacts to the area’s special qualities, while allowing people to experience the natural beauty and to connect with Flinders Chase National Park through walking and sleeping on the trail. This was a key focus of the EOI.

AWC’s development credentials

The Australian Walking Company (AWC) is a leader in environmentally sensitive eco-tourism and has a reputation for delivering world-class experiences. One of AWC’s six core values is “Environmental and Cultural Integrity”. They aim to have a positive impact on the local environment and community, engaging in relevant environmental, conservation and community projects.

The company was formed in August 2015 bringing together the expertise of award- winning market leader Tasmanian Walking Company (TWC), and owners Geoff Dixon, Brett Godfrey, Rob Sherrard and Scott Malcolm.

TWC brings a 30-year history to the consortium and is a recognised leader in environmental travel practices winning numerous national tourism awards. Earlier this year, TWC was inducted into the hall of fame at the Qantas National Tourism Awards as Australia’s best eco-tourism operator for the third year running.

The AWC brings together partners with 30 years of experience in operating high quality, multi-day wilderness walks, including the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, the Cradle Mount Hunts Walk and the Wineglass Bat Sail Walk.

The KIWT is a key pillar of DEW tourism infrastructure on Kangaroo Island and has already brought over 4,000 walkers to the island who have experienced walking the wild west coast of Flinders Chase and stayed in a mixture of tourism accommodation, both on and off park.

The scale, design, placement and management of the AWC accommodation is sensitive to the wild and rugged character of the trail area. AWC will have walking groups with the eco-sensitive accommodation being run and managed to minimise impacts – for example all waste, including black water (Sewage) will be removed and disposed off-site.

Lease Management

The lease will be managed consistent with the obligations under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, and the terms are commercial in confidence. Income predictions are also commercial in confidence.

Access road construction

Access tracks suitable for light All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) traffic will be constructed to enable management activities and waste extraction. The exact alignment of these vehicle access tracks has not been finalised, however, AWC’s desire to minimise any native vegetation disturbance will determine access road routes.

The AWC will work with vegetation expert consultants on the restoration and maintenance of vegetation at the sites.

Extensions of the walking trail

Spur walking tracks will be required for AWC guests to turn off the main KIWT and access the accommodation areas. These spur walking tracks will be constructed to the same standards as the existing KIWT. The exact on ground alignment of the spur walking tracks has not been finalised yet.

Access to the KIWT

Independent walkers, who have booked, will continue to enjoy access to the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail and the associated camping facilities. Likewise, Commercial Tourism Operators (CTOs), who currently offer services along the trail, will continue as normal.

The Tasmanian Walking Company (TWC) has successfully operated commercial accommodation on the Overland Track in Tasmania alongside independent public walkers for the past 30 years.

AWC will operate with professional, experienced guides who will be chaperoning walkers throughout their stay.

Cape du Couedic Cottages

The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse keepers’ cottages will be included in the AWC’s accommodation package for trail walkers. Subject to development approval, the cottages will be restored and modified from June 2019. When officially re-opened, the cottages will again be available for bookings through the AWC.

Economic benefit

AWC prefer to use local contractors and businesses where available. During the construction period, contractors will require food and other supplies, which will be sourced locally.

Island residents will be employed by the AWC to conduct tours, service facilities and provide support to the business.

The AWC has also made contact with local fine food and wine producers to supply quality regional produce as part of the trail experience.

Walkers are encouraged to spend additional time, either before or after completing the trail, to enhance their Kangaroo Island experience.