The South Australian Government has granted planning approval for the InterContinental Barossa Resort & Spa despite strong opposition from the local community.
Strategic Alliance and Commercial Pty Ltd has been granted approval to develop the five-star hotel and winery on Hoffnungsthal Road at Williamstown.
The State Government says the development would create $70–$100 million in annual economic benefits to the Barossa.
The hotel has 150 rooms, a restaurant and premium function facilities.
The proposal was declared a Major Project on 8 August 2024 and classified as an Impact Assessed Development – the most stringent level of assessment within the South Australian planning system.
This process required the preparation of a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), with assessment requirements set by the independent State Planning Commission.
The EIS was made available for community, government agency and council feedback.
“Key issues raised by the community, including landscape and character, traffic and congestion, bushfire risk, infrastructure impacts and design were thoroughly considered and addressed as part of the assessment process,” Urban Development Minister Nick Champion says.
“This approval has been earned through the most stringent assessment process available under South Australia’s planning system.
“Community voices were heard, key issues were carefully examined and independent expert advice was considered every step of the way.
“This is the right outcome for the Barossa and South Australia.
“This development is a vote of confidence in South Australia and the economic benefits will flow through the Barossa for generations to come.”
Many of those opposed to the development questioned whether the Barossa needed more accommodation.
Tourism Minister Emily Bourke says, “This is another example of the growing confidence in South Australia as not only a global destination of choice, but as an attractive place to invest and do business.
“We are experiencing record growth in the accommodation sector, supported by our investment in major events and strong tourism offerings.”
Recent Comments