25 Oct 2021
Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC welcomes $15.5 million funding boost for Kangaroo Island | Media Release
25 October 2021
Senator for South Australia Andrew McLachlan CSC has welcomed a joint $15.5 million funding commitment from the Federal and State governments to help Kangaroo Island recover from the economic impact of COVID-19 and grow into the future.
Through the Regional Recovery Partnerships program, the Morrison and Marshall Liberal governments are backing three projects which will create about 40 jobs during construction and develop new economic opportunities for communities on the Island.
As part of the funding announced on October 24, $5 million will support the construction of short-term workforce accommodation, $4 million will provide for a new visitor hub at Cape Willoughby and $1 million will go towards the development of an AgTech Hub.
Senator McLachlan said the projects would provide for locals and tourists alike and particularly welcomed funding for the development of visitor facilities at Cape Willoughby, where he holds deep family connections.
“My great-great grandfather Colin McLachlan came to Australia from Scotland as a young boy with his mother Catherine and stepfather Donald MacArthur and grew up on Kangaroo Island in the 1800s. Donald was one of the lighthouse keepers at Cape Willoughby, so it is a place that holds special significance to me,” Senator McLachlan said.
“Catherine and Donald are buried at Hog Bay Cemetery in Penneshaw and each time I visit Kangaroo Island I make sure to visit their gravesite.
“The construction of a new $4 million visitor centre at Cape Willoughby which includes a viewing platform, café and visitor information centre is a real win for the community and will help to keep the Island’s unique history alive and drive tourism growth.”
Senator McLachlan also welcomed funding for the development of short-term workforce accommodation and an AgTech Hub which will create important economic opportunities.
“The Morrison Liberal Government is committed to creating jobs and building resilient communities and is investing strongly across the Mayo electorate,” Senator McLachlan said.
For more information on Regional Recovery Partnerships, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/regional-recovery-partnerships.
ENDS