Minister for Tourism visits Alexandrina: Showcasing regional strengths
The Honourable Zoe Bettison MP, Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs, visited Alexandrina on Tuesday 9 September, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase our region’s unique tourism offerings and economic potential to State Government.
Minister Bettison's visit included three stops that highlighted Alexandrina’s diverse strengths, with her itinerary spanning a cutting-edge research facility, the premier wine region of Langhorne Creek, and the thriving Goolwa Wharf waterfront.
The day began at the CLLMM (Coorong Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth) Research Centre in Goolwa, where the Minister experienced firsthand this world-class facility that puts our region on the global map for water research and climate science.
CLLMM Research Centre, Goolwa
The Minister toured this remarkable research facility, which represents one of the largest science projects of its kind delivered in regional Australia. Located uniquely on the River Murray rather than at a university campus, CLLMM does globally important ground-level science with a focus on community engagement.
The centre's Augmented Reality Sandbox technology brings complex water science to life, allowing visitors to interact with data about everything from pelican flight patterns to Murray-Darling Basin water flows. With over 3,000 visitors through their doors to date, and hosting international study delegations from China, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, CLLMM demonstrates significant potential for scientific and eco-tourism.
Goolwa Wharf Operators Meeting
At the Signal Point Experience Centre, Minister Bettison met with the Goolwa Wharf Operators group, representing tourism businesses and operators in the Wharf Precinct. Discussions covered the success of initiatives like the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival and the positive impact of the new wharf infrastructure.
The meeting also addressed the upcoming round of "Coast is Calling" vouchers from SA Tourism, designed to boost local tourism and aid recovery from the algal bloom impact. Operators shared encouraging experiences about the level of activity at the renewed wharf, and discussed increasing collaboration to create bookable experiences that will attract interstate and international visitors.
Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine
The final stop was to meet the Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Executive Board at Bremerton Wines. This meeting highlighted both challenges and opportunities facing the region, as grape producers look toward tourism and diversification in response to market pressures.
The discussion included exciting developments around the Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail, funded by a recent $7m federal grant, and attracting investment into accommodation, with the support of our partner organisation Regional Development Australia, which could significantly boost the area's tourism capacity.
Building State connections
This visit represents exactly the kind of State Government engagement that drives real outcomes for regional economies. Minister Bettison's hands-on approach to understanding our tourism strengths and challenges provides a strong foundation for future collaboration and support.
The visit showcased Alexandrina as a region with multiple tourism drawcards, brimming with potential to appeal to different markets and interests.