Major tourism development – including a Wave Pool – proposed for Tuitt Road Aldinga
Kerrod Trott 
Local residents who live near the cliff face at Blanche Point, around the intersection of Bowering Hill Road and Tuit Road Aldinga, were surprised recently to discover that a Development Application had been lodged for a multi-million-dollar development just across the road.
The proposed resort development will include a restaurant, café, machine plant, accommodation units and other buildings arranged around a pneumatic wave pool, which uses machinery to generate artificial waves for the entertainment of the patrons.
Because the parcel of land in question is zoned “Tourism”, and because the application appears to be consistent with the zone objectives, the developers do not need to consult with, or even inform, the local community.
According to some local residents, no legitimate consideration is being given to the sensitive nature of the area.
“We feel this is a one-off opportunity to stop Disneyland development in this small, unique, sensitive area,” one resident said.
“If this piece of land can’t be protected from this type of development, we may as well allow a free-for-all across the state with no consideration for the future.”
As well, a permanent resident of the Big 4 Caravan Park immediately adjacent to the site, asks” How such a proposed development fits with what is so very highly prized about this area, i.e. the ‘character preservation {of the} district?’”
The parcel of land falls within the McLaren Vale Character Preservation District (Act 2012), which was introduced by local MP Leon Bignell to recognise the special character of the rural area, to provide for continued viable farming and primary production activities and provide statutory protection from inappropriate urban development.
While Onkaparinga City Council has not published the Development Application on their website, it is available for public inspection at the Council offices in Noarlunga Centre. You can also learn more about the zones and policies applying under the State Planning and Design Code online at https://code.plan.sa.gov.au/home/what_is_the_property_address/property_details?id=1304201113
Readers who share the concerns of local residents about the proposed development are encouraged to contact their local political representatives: State Member for Mawson Leon Bignell MP, and local Ward Councillors Lauren Jew and Paul Yeomans. You may also wish to contact the State Planning Minister Nick Champion.
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