Norman course proposed for Kangaroo Island

February 27th, 2014 / Michael Court

Greg Norman has a lot of influence in Australia.

Whether or not he can be the reason a government is elected in a particular state is probably doubtful. Still you can’t blame anyone for trying.

Greg Norman Greg Norman

A $30m Greg Norman-designed course is part of the ‘platform’ the South Australian government may go ahead with if they are re-elected next month (March).

The course would be built on Kangaroo Island and a commissioner for the island appointed as well if the present government gets back into power.

SA Minister for Planning John Rau described Kangaroo Island as “a jewel in the crown for SA”, suggesting it needed greater protection and a strong advocate to cut through red tape and represent it.

“It [the commissioner] will be a statutory appointment who will report to Cabinet regarding the co-ordination and implementation of current and future projects for the island,” Rau said last week.

Reports stated the minister had granted major project status to a new 18-hole championship golf course and the associated infrastructure – including a desalination plant and helipad, a clubhouse, tourist accommodation and residential development.

The golf course would also create about 50 jobs with the proposed plans to make the Shark’s layout a fixture in the world’s top 50 courses.

Other likely additions to the spectacular island include:

  • A $5 million five-day walking trail encompassing the spectacular scenery within the parks of south west KI;

  • A $3.5 million contribution to upgrade the island’s airport, to enable direct flights from the nation’s capital cities;

  • A further $13.5 million would be sought from the federal government for the upgrade.