Port Augusta Tourism Development Strategy 2025–2030 Released
The Port Augusta Tourism Development Strategy 2025–2030 has now been released and shared with the community, marking an important milestone for the future of tourism in the region.
It has been a privilege to contribute to this strategy during 2025, working alongside Port Augusta City Council, local tourism operators, community members and industry partners to co-design a shared plan for growing Port Augusta’s visitor economy in a way that reflects local values and delivers genuine community benefit.
View a copy here: Port Augusta Tourism Development Strategy 2025-30
At its core, the strategy focuses on turning transit into time well spent — positioning Port Augusta as more than a gateway and encouraging self-drive visitors to slow down, stay longer and connect more deeply with the coastal city’s stories, landscapes and people.
The strategy is guided by five strategic pillars, providing a clear framework for future investment, collaboration and destination development across priority areas including:
Place Activation & Destination Appeal
Product Development
Partnerships & Investment
Destination Marketing
Ecotourism & Community Stewardship
The strategy highlights a number of flagship opportunities that will help shape Port Augusta’s next chapter as a welcoming, experience-led and future-focused destination. Key priorities include:
Transformation of the wharf precinct and foreshore, supported by an upcoming $15 million upgrade
Activation of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden as a national leader in regenerative tourism and nature-based experiences
Renewal of the Wadlata Outback Centre to enhance visitor engagement and storytelling
Strategic positioning of Port Augusta Central Oval as a regional events and conferencing hub
Strengthening hero assets including the Pichi Richi Railway and Yarta Purtli Gallery
The strategy also recognises that tourism growth relies on more than infrastructure and marketing — it relies on people.
With strong community input, the plan highlights the importance of future workforce supply and skills development, supported by the emerging Port Augusta Technical College, which will play a critical role in developing local capability and empowering future leaders across hospitality and tourism.
The Port Augusta Tourism Development Strategy 2025–2030 is designed as a shared roadmap and practical tool for:
Local tourism operators
Aboriginal businesses and cultural custodians
Council and public sector partners
Regional development organisations
Investors and collaborators
Residents and community leaders, including Business Port Augusta
Visitors who care about the places they explore
This strategy sets a strong foundation for coordinated action, investment attraction and destination development over the next five years. I’m incredibly proud to have contributed to this strategy and look forward to seeing Port Augusta’s visitor economy grow through a shared commitment to place, community and long-term value.
Speak to Alex Brown Project Company about your next regional tourism or community project, make contact here.
Transforming Business Services: Strategic Review for Alexandrina Council
My recent review tackled a comprehensive Community Strategic Services Review, focusing on optimising Business Services within the Alexandrina Council region. This project presented a valuable opportunity to align key service offerings with the evolving needs of local businesses, and broader economic development initiatives.
Business Services: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Driving Growth
The review also evaluated Business Alexandrina and the Business Hub Goolwa, a co-working space designed to support entrepreneurs and foster business growth in the region. I assessed alternative operating models, resourcing strategies, and partnerships integral to achieving collective outcomes.
The review highlighted the importance of Business Services in providing accessible, professional working and meeting facilities for regional start-ups and established enterprises. Some of my observations and recommendations included:
Streamlining operations: Enhance efficiencies and consolidate communications to better connect with local businesses.
Leveraging partnerships: Strengthen ties with key partners and exploring new ones to expand offerings and increase engagement.
Growing patronage: Develop targeted strategies to enhance membership and utilisation of The Hub.
Based on these findings, I recommended continued investment in Business Services as a core Local Government function, coupled with exploring three operating models for The Hub to drive future growth and sustainability.
“Alex Brown has been an enormous support to Alexandrina Council’s Economic Development Strategy to drive our tourism activities and business services. Recently, Alex has been helping us transform the way we do Visitor Services and Local Business Support. Her approach to analysis, stakeholder engagement and project management delivered comprehensive reports and insights. Alex’s time and passion was extremely valuable to this process and has allowed us to reset out strategies and operations”.
Lisa O’Donoghue, Manager Economic Development, Alexandrina Council
Let’s collaborate to drive growth and innovation in your community. Enquire now to explore how I may be able to assist with tailored solutions for your next regional transformation project, strategic plan or stakeholder engagement.