Work has commenced rebuilding the new $16 million visitor centre at Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island which was destroyed in the 2019-20 bushfires.
The Kangaroo Island tourism industry contributes around $140 million annually to the regional economy and rebuilding key visitor infrastructure like the centre is vital for the recovery of the Island and its community.
“Rebuilding the visitor centre at Flinders Chase is an important part of the bushfire recovery process on the Island and it will help the local tourism to bounce back,” says Member for Mawson, Leon Bignell.
“I’m really pleased to see the work of local tradies and artists will be included in the design and construction.
“It will be a great new asset for visitors and local tour operators, and somewhere to showcase some great local produce.”
The new centre has been designed by award-winning Troppo Architects that created the Bowali Visitor Centre in Kakadu National Park and numerous eco-resorts, has a strong focus on sustainability.
The University of Adelaide is partnering with the Malinauskas government to build research facilities at the centre, contributing $2 million towards the project.
It is anticipated conservation groups, research partners and commercial tour operators will use the event space and that locally made produce will be sold from the centre.
Sustainability features include the building being able to generate and store its own power, including for electric vehicle charging.
“It’s fantastic to see work now underway on the new centre that will create a world-class visitor experience for parks on the western end of Kangaroo Island,” says Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Susan Close.
“This ecologically sustainable building will power itself for most of the year and be entirely self-sufficient in terms of water use and recycled wastewater.
“The building will set a new national standard for ecologically sustainable development, with minimal impact to the environment both during the build and once complete.”
The passive solar design takes advantage of a building’s site, climate and materials to minimise energy use, helping to keep the centre cool in summer and warm in winter. All heating and cooling systems will have low energy usage and will be zoned to ensure flexibility and to cater for how the visitor centre is being used at the time.
Walkways and shelters will help collect rainwater and wetlands will help filter waste and storm water.
The centre’s architecture will be mainly concrete-free, and primarily framed from sustainably sourced bushfire-resistant Australian timbers. Rammed earth walls will be built from material on and adjacent the site and gravel will be sourced from existing nearby pits.
The work of local tradespersons, artisans and artists will be included in the architecture and design. Construction of the centre is expected to be complete in 2024.
For further updates visit www.engagementhub.parks.sa.gov.au
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