News Articles

Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, Wendy Campana said Qantas was extending its commitment to Kangaroo Island. Qantas flights linked the island to a selection of Australia's capital cities, and now its online wine store was offering the region's wines to frequent flyers.

Kangaroo Island’s boutique food and beverage offering included many great products in addition to its wines including beer, gin, olives and of course seafood, she said.

"The Island crafts some truly unique and fascinating offerings, all of which have been integral in our efforts to promote the Island and develop its economy," Ms Campana said. "I am delighted Qantas, Australia’s leading carrier, is really supporting the Island, not only in developing regular services to the Island but now by getting behind its producers. I join Qantas in raising a glass to Kangaroo Island and look forward to the Island’s wine not only being discovered but most importantly enjoyed, by wine drinkers around Australia."

Thursday, 14 June 2018

The recently-secured Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Funding (BBRF) is already positively impacting on Kangaroo Island businesses and individuals.

With assistance from the KI Council, my Office recently hosted a one-day business event, with 30 people attending, hearing from a range of speakers on subjects as diverse as how to attract investors to your business; how to prepare a simple strategic plan; financial management; staff management methods and styles; dealing with the media; and work place health and safety.

Registrations are underway for our one-day ‘Business Networking and Training Event’, to be held at the Council Chambers in Kingscote on Tuesday 15 May.

Presentations will include how to use investors and advisors; financial management, planning for growth, reputation and image, along with an update from the Small Business Commissioner.  Brian Cunningham will provide tips on management strategies, joined by Lucy Perpetua from Safe Work SA.

Would you like to position your business for strategic growth?

The 8 week business program has been designed to support Kangaroo Island businesses identify, analyse and implement opportunities to drive sustainable growth. Participants will attend interactive workshops and receive one on one mentoring to build their individual Strategic Growth Plans.  The program can facilitate up to 10 businesses and 20 participants

Kangaroo Island Strategic Business Growth Program will be lead by Julia Mann of Clover Strategy. For further information on Julia - CLICK HERE

For more information on the program - CLICK HERE

Expression of Interest Form - CLICK HERE

Please fill in form and return via email to: kicommissioner@sa.gov.au

ONE DAY BUSINESS NETWORKING & TRAINING EVENT

KANGAROO ISLAND COUNCIL CHAMBERS - NEW VENUE

Tuesday 15 May, 9am – 5pm

Following the survey of farmers to ascertain the economic impact of damage caused by feral pigs, we are now close to finalising a report for our Feral Pig Working Group and DEWNR. The findings are being reviewed by an economist and the Group will meet shortly to determine next steps in the management program.

It was certainly a busy time on Kangaroo Island on Tuesday 20 February with the Queen Mary II arriving in Penneshaw, along with the Queen’s Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games and the opening events for the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

Here we are at the beginning of another exciting year on Kangaroo Island and I am looking forward to a year where many of the developments that are in the planning stages will move to consultation and community engagement, while others will finalise management plans and other planning conditions to move to turning soil.

These are interesting times for the Island, and one of the biggest learning curves for me in this position has been to see how the developers work and how the wheels of government take proposals through the various stages of approval. Also how community engagement occurs.

The KI Community and Business Expo held in Kingscote last week was a great success, opened by Leon Bignell MP, Minister for Tourism, with 28 exhibitors and more than 150 people attending.  

The Expo provided an opportunity for businesses and the community to engage with developers, KI industry associations, state government and some Island businesses which are expanding.

Also on that day, my Local Advisory Board on Economic Development met.  Minister Bignell attended and addressed the Board and thanked them for their work.  There were two presentations – one from SA Power Networks on the replacement undersea cable and the other from SA Water, with an update on the water plan for the Island.

A great opportunity exists for business operators and members of the island community to attend an Expo being run by the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island (OCKI) on Monday 27 November 2017, at the Kingscote Town Hall, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

We are offering attendees the chance to meet the proponents of the developments approved or in the process of being approved by the State Government, to gain an update on the airport upgrade and to meet with industry associations about their activities.

We have also invited representatives of the various government agencies with interests in the developments, so the community can ask any questions of them regarding the developments or other matters.

During the last couple of months, several of my projects have moved to the next stage.  

One of these is the work we have done with the Native Vegetation Management Local Advisory Board (LAB).

This Board was appointed in early 2017, and has met regularly to establish the issues relating to the management of native vegetation.

Some of the key concerns raised by Board members included scattered trees, roadside vegetation management, and accessibility of information on clearing regulations.

Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Wendy Campana together with Mayor Peter Clements have welcomed the announcement of the success of their joint funding application to the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions fund.

The grant for $155,300 has been awarded to the Kangaroo Island Council, and they will work with the Commissioner’s office to deliver the Growth Project alongside the Commissioner’s Transformation Project which is already working with business sectors across the Island.

The Building Better Regions grant will be used to:

*             increase local business knowledge, capability and ‘business readiness’ for growth;

*             develop an engagement and collaboration strategy to drive effective regional planning; and,

*             increase the business confidence level of Kangaroo Island business leaders and emerging leaders.

These key objectives will be achieved via a series of workshops, business events and training programs due to commence shortly.

Click here (PDF, 111 KB) for the full media release.

My Office has been instrumental in considering local housing and workforce planning, given the number of developments nearing commencement.

Wendy Perry from Workforce Blueprint was engaged to prepare a Workforce Plan and she has met with businesses, community organisations and agencies to discuss issues related to recruitment, retention and development of staff.  The Department of State Development is working with us and a report will be subject to consultation in October.

You are invited to attend a workshop to provide feedback on the draft KI Visual Arts Action Plan.

Where: Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kingscote
When: Thursday 14 September 2017, 5-7pm
RSVP: Essential, REGISTER HERE (by Monday 4 September)

Following a survey and workshop conducted earlier this year with KI's visual arts community, the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island has been working with the KI Arts Committee to develop an 'Action Plan'.  This draft Plan sets out the priorities that have been identified by the visual arts community, through previous engagement.

Kangaroo Island is taking over Adelaide in the month of August, with two art shows and a great restaurant experience thrown in for good measure.

La Boca Bar and Grill, at the Stamford Plaza, will showcase Kangaroo Island produce on its menus for the entire month, as well as offering a wide selection of Kangaroo Island beverages too.

For the full media release click here (PDF, 635 KB).

Alternatively, have a look at Stamford's Website, featuring Kangaroo Island Month.

Island to Inland: contemporary art from Kangaroo Island opened at Flinders University City Gallery on Friday 30 June. The exhibition showcases new work by ten contemporary artists living and working in one of South Australia’s most remarkable locations. Find out more about the exhibition here.

This exhibition will be touring regional South Australia until 2019 so make sure you visit before 3 September.

Kangaroo Island’s outstanding products and experiences were showcased last night at the annual
Food, Wine and Tourism Awards at Dudley Cellar Door. Guests enjoyed an exquisite menu prepared
by Chef Marion Trethewey of St Austell Farm featuring authentic local produce, which was
accompanied by a wide range of local beer, wine, and spirits.

Find out more here.

The State’s key decision makers visited Kangaroo Island last weekend, for Country Cabinet.

We welcomed the Premier, Cabinet Ministers and Chief Executives of State Government Departments to the island, in order for them to hear from our community about the issues that are important to them. Several public events were included, and the Cabinet members also met with residents and visited various sites on Kangaroo Island.

April Fools! Rundle Mall land swap deal a hoax - Lindes Lane has been returned to the Adelaide City Council at midday today.

This morning Lord Mayor Martin Haese, with Kangaroo Island Council Mayor, Peter Clements,  announced that Lindes Lane in Rundle Mall to be renamed ’Kangaroo Lane’ as part of a land swap deal for an April Fools joke. See the joke here.

The Quiz night/fundraiser to aid the Year 7 students was held last week at the Ozone Hotel, and the night provided much more than anyone imagined.

For a start, 75 people attended, which was great, and everyone had come to win.  Amid much noise and laughter, quiz-master Wendy Campana tried to keep order ... and with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Tony Smith present, there was much encouragement from the side-lines, with "Order, Order, Order" being the ‘order’ of the day.

During the night, Wendy kept a semblance of order, moving on to auction items, raffles and table prizes, and the community really showed its support, with the night raising more than $4,500, including $500 each committed by Rebekha Sharkie MP, KI Council and the Commissioner’s office.

Click here (PDF, 604 KB) for the full media relase.

Come along and join in the fun at a Quiz Night/Fundraiser to help Kangaroo Island Community Education (KICE) to send a group of Year 7 students to Canberra to experience our nation’s capital.

Mayor Peter Clements along with Commissioner Wendy Campana will be quiz masters, and they will host the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Tony Smith and local Federal MP Rebekha Sharkie, who will both be joining in the fun on the night.

You can expect lots of hilarity and games – with surprises, donated auction items, raffles and much more.

Show your support for the Year 7s in their bid to join other Australian students in Canberra to see how it all works.

"Helping our young students to understand the workings of Federal Parliament as part of their Civics Education will hold them in good stead when they reach voting age," Wendy Campana said.

The Quiz Night is on Wednesday March 15 2017 from 6.30pm at the Aurora Ozone Hotel. $40 per person, with great food platters for each table.

Among the sponsors are the Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kangaroo Island Council and the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island.

RSVP to kicetocanberra.eventbrite.com.au or for more information about the event call 8553 4500 by 14th March 2017.

For further information click here (PDF, 1405 KB)

Full Media Release click here (PDF, 441 KB).

The Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, Wendy Campana, as part of the Kangaroo Island Transformation Project, is pleased to announce the launch of the Kangaroo Island Arts Survey.

Supporting a range of industry sectors on the island, the Commissioner is keen to better identify the nature, size and key issues of the visual arts community on KI. This survey will help identify opportunities to assist the island's arts industry and individual artists.

COMPLETE THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE

For more information, to download a survey or to find out where they can be collected from click here.

In partnership with the Kangaroo Island Council and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island is seeking to better understand Kangaroo Island’s transport needs for tourists and residents.

You are invited to complete the Kangaroo Island Transport Survey which will be used to identify the transport needs of those living on the island by looking at the current transport usage for employment, education, recreation and day to day activities. This survey also seeks to determine the future demand for transport - the type and frequency of use.

Kangaroo Island Transport Survey

Thanks for being part of this important survey. The survey will close on 3 March 2017.

The Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island (OCKI) is currently undertaking research on the housing needs of the community. We need your help to better understand the demand for housing - types, locations, and size. You are invited to complete the:  

Kangaroo Island Housing Survey

This Survey will only take 5-10 minutes of your time and will close on 27 January 2017.

A plan to provide a framework for current and future housing needs on Kangaroo Island was recently finalised by the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, Wendy Campana. The Management Plan for Housing on Kangaroo Island was noted by Cabinet in December 2016.

Kangaroo Island’s population is expected to increase by more than 1500 people by 2036, a figure quoted in the  Kangaroo Island Plan: A volume of the South Australian Planning Strategy. This figure does not include the job growth numbers associated to major developments planned or approved for the island over the next two to five years.

View the full Media Release   (PDF, 441 KB) for more information.

The Registration of Interest (ROI) process for the sale and future redevelopment of the Kingscote Wharf Precinct has concluded. The ROI process extended over a ten week period commencing on 5 July 2016, and closed on 12 September 2016. ROI’s were sought from the open market by Savills as the marketing land agent, and the process procured a number of submissions. All persons who made a submission have been contacted and advised of the outcome of the ROI process.  

With the impending redevelopment of the Kangaroo Island Airport, together with a range of other projects and initiatives in the pipeline, the Kingscote Wharf precinct will continue to remain on the open market to leverage any ongoing and enhanced investor interest in the Island. Interested persons are encouraged to contact the land agent. For a confidential conversation, please contact Steve Bobridge at Savills Australia on 8237 5015 or 0418835525, or by email to SBobridge@savills.com.au.  

Where proponents are existing tenants on the Wharf, current agreements will remain in place. Any new proposals for short term access and use of land in the Wharf Precinct should be directed to the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure - Property Directorate. Please contact Maria Kollar on 8204 1228 or 0427 936 971, or by email to Maria.Kollar@sa.gov.au.

Earlier this year, the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Wendy Campana, identified the need for a Management Plan for Housing on KI, to address the current and future housing needs on the island.

A university under-graduate, Reece Svetec, has been engaged to work on this project, for a period of 12 weeks.   Reece will work with key stakeholders on KI and in Adelaide to prepare a report on affordable housing, with the goal of delivering recommendations on what measures need to be taken to increase/improve housing affordability on the island. Reece has completed his third year of a four year Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Hons.) at the University of South Australia.

View the Full Media Release   (PDF, 349 KB)for more information.

You are invited to hear from SA Power Networks on the Draft Project Assessment Report (DPAR) that summarises a variety of options for Kangaroo Island’s energy supply given the limited design life of the current undersea cable.

Monday 5 December, 7.00pm – 8:30pm

Kangaroo Island Council Chambers
43 Dauncey Street, Kingscote

Consultation is currently underway on the draft report, which is available from the SA Power Networks website www.sapowernetworks.com.au. The consultation period concludes on Wednesday 14 December with the final report published at the end of December.

Kangaroo Island Food and Wine have launched 'Eat Drink KI Boxes' to bring a selection of KI products to you in time for the festive season.

Find out more about the initiative or order your Eat Drink KI Box here.

Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Wendy Campana recently attended the 2016 South Australian Tourism Awards, and is delighted to congratulate several Kangaroo Island businesses honoured on the night.

South Australia’s best Ecotourism experience was awarded to Seal Bay, with Tourism Kangaroo Island being named South Australia’s best Visitor Information Service.

In all, thirty category winners were awarded, judged to be the best in their category.

Island businesses to win medals were Silver to Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari, in the Tour and Transport Operators category.

Dudley Wines was awarded Silver for Tourism, Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries and in the Self Contained Accommodation, Sea Dragon Lodge on Cape Willoughby Road won Silver.

View the full Media Release (PDF, 281 KB) for more information on the event.

View the SATC's Media Release (PDF, 522 KB) for more information on the South Australian Tourism Awards.

The Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, Ms Wendy Campana, has established a group of advisors to consider economic growth on the island and they met for the first time recently.

This Local Advisory Board for Economic Growth on Kangaroo Island will provide advice to the Commissioner on matters relating to economic development in areas such as tourism, agriculture, food and beverages and education. The Board will look at opportunities to improve the local economy while having regard to the social and environmental aspects of the island’s development.

View the Media Release (PDF, 523 KB) for more information on the first meeting of the Local Advisory Board for Economic Growth.

For more information on the Local Advisory Boards visit our website.

The Sturt Street Cellars at the Kings Head Hotel was the venue and several Kangaroo Island beverage producers attended to promote their offerings to interested licensed premises, especially invited to the event.

The event is part of the wider Transformation Project being rolled out by the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Ms Wendy Campana and on this occasion, the Hon Leon Bignell MP, Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Tourism was on hand to launch the proceedings.

View the Media Release (PDF, 598 KB) for more information on the event.

The project to upgrade the Kangaroo Island Airport has been a long time coming, but it is now on track to be delivered before the end of 2017.

This project promises to provide exciting and potentially valuable opportunities for local business operators, and over recent months, the Airport Upgrade Pilot program has worked to assist local businesses to be ready for the tender process to carry out construction works on the new airport extension.

View the Media Release (PDF, 1263 KB) for more information on the event.

The Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, Wendy Campana, has released her Annual Report for the 2015-2016 year.

This comprehensive report documents the key activities of the Commissioner’s office during the previous financial year, in carrying out her functions under the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Act.

The Annual Report also outlines the manner in which the office can assist residents and businesses to deal with government agencies.

View the Media Release (PDF, 401 KB) for more information.

Recently, a group of KI beverage producers joined with the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island and the Kangaroo Island Food & Wine Association to showcase their products to island hoteliers, restaurateurs and accommodation providers.

View the Media Release (PDF, 440 KB) for more information on the event.

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill today officially launched the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, after spending the past few days walking the Trail with his family.

The $5.8 million Trail was a State Government commitment at the last election, designed to strengthen Kangaroo Island’s reputation as an international tourist destination.

Kangaroo Island is a landscape of national significance, sometimes referred to as ‘Australia’s Galapagos’ with spectacular coastal views, unspoilt habitat, and abundant wildlife and flora.

Hundreds have already booked for the five-day, four-night adventure which stretches for 61 kilometres along the south-west coast of the Island through Flinders Chase National Park.

The trail has also been mapped by Google and is available on Google Street View, so that anyone around the world who can’t visit South Australia can still marvel at the natural wonders and fauna of Kangaroo Island.

View the Premier's Media Release for more information on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail.

The Department of State Development (DSD) through the Jobs First Employment Projects (JFEP) program is working in partnership with the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island to assist businesses engaged in the Kangaroo Island Transformation project.

The Work Force Development Project seeks to facilitate the engagement of employees for developments on the Island by providing a single point of contact for job seeker referral agencies and developers. The successful proponent will identify the work force needs arising from developments, work with agencies to support job seeker engagement, and report to DSD on skills development needs.

Applications are currently being sought for an eligible provider to undertake this project. For more information on the project and application process click here. Applications close on 14 October 2017.

In a recent visit to Kangaroo Island, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors Australia (MMAL) officially extended their support to Kangaroo Island Council to help raise awareness about the benefits of electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) use on the Island. 

Read more in the Kangaroo Island Council's Media Release

On Wednesday 16 August, the Chairman of the Board and President of Mitsubishi, Mr Osamu Masuko and  the Managing Director & CEO of Mitsubishi Australia, Mr Mutsuhiro Oshikiri visited Kangaroo Island. Mitsubishi have confirmed it will work with the South Australian Government to increase the use of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) electric vehicles from Mitsubishi's current and future vehicle range in the government fleet. 

Mr Oshikiri and Mr Masuko were hosted by the CEO of the Kangaroo Island Council, Mr Andrew Boardman and the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Ms Wendy Campana. Mr Tsubonuma and Mr Masuko were shown the fleet of PHEV vehicles used by the Kangaroo Island Council and the network of charge points.

See photos of the visit here.

Premier Jay Weatherill addressed 120 attendees from a cross section of Kangaroo Island businesses at the Transformation Project Information Session yesterday.

The session launched the next stage of the Transformation Project that will deliver Business Support Services to key industry groups on the Island. 

View the Premier's Media Release (PDF, 184 KB) about the Information Session.
View the Media Release (PDF, 736 KB) to find out more about the Industry Project Managers engaged to deliver the project.
View photos of the event here. 
View the Kangaroo Island: Initial Assessment of Economic Impacts of the Transformation Project  by Associate Professor Michael O'Neil from the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies, 
View the presentation (PDF, 1325 KB) by Mark Gill from the South Australian Tourism Commission on opportunities for business growth from tourism.

Last week the Kangaroo Island Council clarified information regarding impacts on service delivery during the Kangaroo Island Airport Upgrade. Read more in the Kangaroo Island Council's Media Release (PDF, 101 KB)

An Information Session for the Transformation Project will be held on Wednesday 27 July 2016, 2.00 - 5.00pm. Businesses or start-ups interested in growing their business over the next 3-5 years are encouraged to attend this free session.  The Transformation Project will deliver support services, through a training and mentoring program to businesses in 5 key industry groups:

• Agriculture and Food Production 
• Construction 
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Retail and Services
• Transport and Logistics

Find out more about the Industry Project Managers for the Transformation Project here (PDF, 736 KB).

Registrations are essential for this event. More information and registrations here.

Primary Industries and Regions South Australia have announced $48,000 in funding support for the Beverages Project that is a component of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island's Transformation Project's Business Support Services. 

The beverages project will help transform the Island's beverage industry and explore opportunities to improve the promotion and expansion of their products. In anticipation of increased economic activity on the Island and tourist visitation, this project will seek to meet an anticipated increased demand for local beverages on the Island and Adelaide.

View the Media Release here.

On Tuesday 14 June, the Deputy Premier, the Hon. John Rau MP, with the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, Ms Wendy Campana, met with over 100 Islanders to brief them on the activities of the Commissioner and announce a range of key initiatives.

Read the Media Release here (PDF, 337 KB).

View the Photos form the Session here.

On Friday 17 June, the Kangaroo Island Food and Wine Association (KIFWA) hosted the Kangaroo Island Food and Wine Awards at Mercure KI Lodge.

Almost 100 guests enjoyed a four-course fine dining experience, curated by Head Chef Andy Waterhouse, and medal-winning wines to witness the re-birth of the awards, first held in 2009.

The Commissioner for Kangaroo Island would like to offer her congratulations to all entrants in the prize and the winners of each award category.

The awards were hosted by the Kangaroo Island Food and Wine Association, supported by the Government of South Australia (PIRSA), and sponsored by Tourism Kangaroo Island, Tourism Optimisation Management Model (TOMM), Sealink, Kangaroo Island Industry and Brand Alliance, the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, and the Department of State Development.

Read more in KIFWA's media release

The Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island has launched its Strategic Priorities for 2016/2017. This document sets out the key areas of activity for the Commissioner's Office to carry out her responsibilities as set out in the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Act 2014. 

View the 2016/2017 Strategic Priorities here (PDF, 2368 KB).

The Commissioner for Kangaroo Island is responsible for assisting in the economic development of Kangaroo Island and has developed a Kangaroo Island Economic Development Outlook to highlight the many economic opportunities that the Island offers. It details a number of proposed and approved projects some of which present investment opportunities.

The Kangaroo Island Economic Development Outlook was developed in partnership with the Kangaroo Island Council, Kangaroo Island’s key industry associations and the Government of South Australia.

View the Kangaroo Island Economic Development Outlook here (PDF, 1869 KB)

Read the Media (PDF, 55 KB)Release on the Outlook by the Deputy Premier John Rau MP and the Commissioner for KI Wendy Campana

The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) propose to undertake a Registration of Interest process over the balance of the land on the Kingscote Wharf vested to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. Stephen Mullighan MP.

This Registration of Interest is a call for submissions from willing investors, for proposals to acquire land in the Wharf Precinct for redevelopment. The Registration of Interest will be released in the week commencing 27 June 2016 and will remain open for ten weeks.

View the Media Release on the Kingscote Wharf Revitalisation. (PDF, 366 KB)

For further information regarding the Registration of Interest, please contact:
Savills, Global Property Advisers: Rob Williamson, Director - 0412 803 482
DPTI Media Line - 1300 856 933

The functions of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island set out in the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Act 2014  (the Act), include improving the management and delivery of services and infrastructure by government agencies, to provide assistance to businesses and residents dealing with government agencies, and to assist in improving the local economy of Kangaroo Island.

In carrying out these functions, the Commissioner may prepare management plans under Part 4 of the Act. The Commissioner has identified a need to improve the provision of housing infrastructure and associated services to meet the complex needs of Kangaroo Island through a Management Plan.

Consultation is currently under way on the Draft management Plan for Housing on Kangaroo Island (PDF, 746 KB). Click here for more information or view the Media Release here (PDF, 389 KB).

In September last year, the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, the Hon Ian Hunter MLC announced that a proposal from Bickfords Australia, to develop a visitor and function centre, microbrewery and distillery at Kingscote Wharf, would be assessed under the State Government’s Unsolicited Proposal framework.

As the proposed site is on Crown Land currently dedicated to the KI Council, and incorporates the former Kingscote Police Station and Gaol Cells, the KI Council has now begun consultation on behalf of the government to process the proposal. This consultation process will conclude on 1 July 2016. 

Bickfords Australia will also be hosting two public open-day events at Kingscote on 20-21 June 2016.

More information about the proposal and consultation process is available here or on the Kangaroo Island Council's website.

The Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Act places responsibility on the Commissioner to assist in the economic development of the Island.  Central to assisting in economic development, is the need to promote Kangaroo Island.

The Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island is seeking to engage the services of a contractor, preferably based on the Island, to provide advice and support in media, public relations and marketing to promote the Island, businesses, products and experiences.

Services will be retained for up to 15 hours (2 days) per week for a period of 12 months, subject to review.

View the services statement here (PDF, 372 KB).

Please email proposals for the provision of services by close of business, Friday 17 June to KICommissioner@sa.gov.au. Proposals should outline the service provider's knowledge and experience relevant in meeting the essential requirements set out in the Services Statement (PDF, 372 KB).

For enquiries please call the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island on (08) 8553 4525 or email KICommissioner@sa.gov.au.

You are invited to join the Hon John Rau MP and Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, Wendy Campana at a Community Information Session on Tuesday 14 June at 6.30pm.

The event will include an update on the work of the Commissioner for the past 12 months and an overview of the Commissioner’s strategic priorities for 2016/2017. There will be several key announcements on the night including the appointment of the Local Advisory Board for Housing, and a presentation by Associate Professor Michael O’Neil from the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies.

REGISTER HERE

RSVPS are essential – please register your attendance, by Wednesday 8 June, online at: www.kibarbecue.eventbrite.com.au

For enquiries please call Office Manager, Jennifer Trethewey on 08 8553 4525.

The Commissioner for Kangaroo Island intends to establish a Local Advisory Board to provide advice on matters relating to housing infrastructure and associated services on Kangaroo Island pursuant to Part 3 of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island Act 2014. Nominations are currently being sought for up to two positions on the Local Advisory Board for Housing on Kangaroo Island for members of the public with relevant knowledge, experience, or qualifications. For more information on this Local Advisory Board click here.

Kangaroo Island Spirits have taken home the Champion's Trophy for their 'Old Tom' gin at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards last week. Find out more here (PDF, 552 KB).

A group of Island businesses attended a two day workshop run by TAFE SA as part of the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island's Transformation Project.  View the Media Release for more information.

A number of major civil infrastructure developments are soon to commence on Kangaroo Island including an upgrade to the Kangaroo Island Airport. Those interested in employment opportunities in the civil construction sector are invited to attend an information session being presented by TAFE SA on Wednesday 20 April. More details here.

A dozen Kangaroo Island construction businesses have signed up for support services to help them prepare for the airport upgrade project. View the Media Release (PDF, 608 KB) for more information.

Today the Kangaroo Island Food and Wine Association have launched their new website. Find out more in their Media Release (PDF, 261 KB).

On the 16th and 17th of February the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island presented a workshop for representatives from sports and recreation clubs and associations followed by a forum for Medical and Health Service agencies. See the Media Release (PDF, 595 KB) for further details.

A development authorisation has been granted for an international golf course and resort on Kangaroo Island's south east coast. This $30 million investment is expected to provide up to 50 ongoing jobs for the region. See Deputy Premier John Rau's News Release on the development here (PDF, 76 KB).

The Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, Wendy Campana has invited SA Power Networks to a Community Forum in March to give an update on their approach to Kangaroo Island’s energy security.

SA Power Networks will explain the process they will go through to consider alternatives – not just a simple duplicate of the existing cable - in order to ensure a secure electricity supply for KI.

The KI Energy Security Community Forum will be held 9 March, from 2 – 4pm in the Council Chambers, Kingscote.

View the Media Release (PDF, 427 KB) on the Community Forum

View the South Australian film as part of Tourism Australia's new 'There's nothing like Australia' Aquatic and Coastal campaign. Find out more about this campaign in The Islander's article KI on World Stage.

Over 100 people attended the Business Support Services Information Session held on Wednesday 20 January at the Acacia Apartments in Kingscote, which outlined opportunities for businesses to be involved in major developments on the Island, with a focus on the Kingscote Airport upgrade.

The meeting was jointly presented by the Office of the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island and the Kangaroo Island Industry and Brand Alliance (KIIBA), who have been commissioned to undertake the delivery of business and employment support services with consultants, Claire Ellis and Sue Arlidge. 

This project is targeting those interested in securing contracts, sub-contracts and employment through major developments on the Island as well as associated businesses.

View the Presentation (PDF, 1282 KB) from the Information Session 
View the Media Release (PDF, 473 KB) on the Information Session
View Photos from the Information Session

The Commissioner for Kangaroo Island has commissioned a project to ensure business readiness for the $171 million worth of proposed developments on Kangaroo Island. This project was awarded to the Kangaroo Island Industry and Brand Alliance who will commence first look at the airport upgrade and the opportunities to work with local business in the provision of trades and services. An information session will be held on 20 January 2016.

View full article - Kangaroo Island Businesses - Let’s Get Ready for Major Infrastructure Developments (PDF, 214 KB)

In the lead up to the preparation of the report sought by Minister Brock on the Regional Impact Assessment Statement (RIAS) on Sanctuary Zones the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, Wendy Campana discusses the importance of representing the views of the Kangaroo Island fishing community and industries.

View full article - Marine Sanctuary Zones – More Work to Do on Kangaroo Island (PDF, 42 KB)

In the lead up to the preparation of the report sought by Minister Brock on the Regional Impact Assessment Statement (RIAS) on Sanctuary Zones the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, Wendy Campana discusses the importance of representing the views of the Kangaroo Island fishing community and industries.

View full article - Marine Sanctuary Zones – More Work to Do on Kangaroo Island (PDF, 42 KB)

On 1 October 2015, the Kangaroo Island Energy Focus Group met for the first time. This media release identifies the proposed members of the focus group, and sets out the terms of reference for their engagement with the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island.

View full article - Kangaroo Island Energy Focus Advisory Group Meets (PDF, 242 KB)

The proposed development at American River is set to employ up to 100 staff throughout the resort. The development, which includes a proposed golf course is being developed by City & Central Consulting Pty Ltd and would include a range of new services to the local community.

View full article - Proposed Development to Deliver 100 New Jobs for Kangaroo Island (PDF, 155 KB)

Soon after commencing her role as the Commissioner for Kangaroo Island, Wendy Campana undertook a tour of the Island to hear first-hand from the community about their aspirations for her role.

View full article - Commissioner Goes on First Island Tour (PDF, 81 KB)