Government of South Australia: $1 million jobs and tourism boost for Port Augusta
22-Nov-2017 Port Augusta's visitor economy has received a welcome boost, with the construction of a new 4-star Cabin Park - supported by a $1 million State Government grant.
The Regional Development Fund grant will enable the Port Pirie-based Bentley Group of Companies to expanding into Port Augusta with 100 fully self-contained cabins, a cafeteria, shop, laundry, barbecue facilities, playground and waterpark to be constructed at a site adjoining the Port Augusta Golf Course. A range of 4-star cabins from one to three bedrooms will be available.
Twenty ongoing FTE positions will be created with the new park, in addition to around 60 jobs during construction, and an additional five FTEs at a construction yard being established in Port Pirie.
Background
The Bentley Group of Companies has owned and operated Bentley's Cabin Park Port Pirie since 1995, starting with four cabins and growing to over 100. The family-owned and operated business claims to be the first true Cabin Park in Australia, and maintains a high occupancy rate across the year.
The Regional Development Fund (RDF) drives economic growth through grants to boost investment in regional infrastructure and the creation of jobs in South Australia.
This project supports the State Government's economic priority of 'South Australia, a destination of choice'.
Quotes attributable to Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock
Port Augusta is known as the gateway to the Outback, and Bentley's new Cabin Park will cement that reputation.
It's great to see a regional family-owned and operated business expand to the Far North region with this tourism offering, with a 10 per cent increase in visitor numbers to Port Augusta estimated as a result.
The construction of the new cabin park will have significant flow on benefits to other sectors in the Port Augusta business community, bringing renewed confidence and economic growth to the area.
Quotes attributable to Bentley's Cabins Director Hayden Bentley
Thanks to this RDF grant we can accelerate construction of our new Port Augusta site, bringing forward all the employment and tourism benefits our project will generate.
We are passionately local, and passionate about attracting and keeping visitors to regional South Australia.
We have chosen the location adjoining the Port Augusta Golf Course as we are excited about the region's growth and how it will support the local economy and community.