FUTURISTIC accommodation options will be explored by Grant District Council to entice private investment to the world famous Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park.
Council will instruct a consultant to explore accommodation concepts for the high ground surrounding the picturesque environmental park following the release of a key report this week.
Mayor Richard Sage said the Piccaninnie Ponds precinct had untapped tourism potential that needed to be explored, including attracting private accommodation investment.
“We are really on the crest of a wave, but we must make sure we have all the information available,” Mr Sage said.
Describing the report – prepared by a consultant – as falling short in detail, he said the document did not have any “futuristic” concepts for potential accommodation options at the site.
He revealed there was an opportunity to attract investment on private land around the edge of the precinct.
“There is an opportunity to have an eye-catching development on top of those hills, which overlook the conservation and marine park,” Mr Sage said.
Mr Sage also argued there was an opportunity to improve the walkways and access to the ponds to boost the tourism experience.
“At the moment access to the ponds is limited – it would be nice to see decent floating pontoons so you can actually walk out there,” he said.
Council chief executive officer Trevor Smart foreshadowed any accommodation options would need to be discreet and located on the high ground surrounding the site.
“We will go back to the consultants and ask for concepts on the high ground as well as some of the pontoon and boardwalks,” Mr Smart said.
He said there was limited capacity to grow diving numbers given the park was already nearing capacity.
“But there are still opportunities for better walks, pontoons and loop-type walks,” Mr Smart said.
Councillor Julie Reis said there was a unique opportunity to showcase the precinct and also expressed disappointment the report did not canvass upmarket accommodation and camping opportunities.
“This would attract more businesses, including restaurants to the district,” Cr Reis said.
The councillor also floated the idea of having glass-bottom boat to draw tourists to the site.
