Application date extended for Myponga Reservoir Reserve

The one-month extension will allow applicants to access additional information and guidance from SA Water to help them prepare applications that are best positioned for success.

Since it opened to the public in April 2019, Myponga Reservoir Reserve has attracted more than 75,000 visitors.

Through the Parks 2025 investment initiative, the State Government has committed more than $130 million into revitalising parks and reserves across the state and is inviting proponents to partner in leveraging this investment to drive the visitor economy further and faster.

The Nature-based Tourism Co-investment Fund includes a range of land options as eligible locations for projects including national parks, forestry reserves and botanic gardens as well as South Australia’s reservoir reserves.

Department for Environment and Water Director for Tourism and Economic Development Jo Podoliak said she looked forward to seeing the exciting and high-quality proposals that would help ensure the continual activation and enjoyment of Myponga Reservoir Reserve, through the Nature-based Tourism Co-investment Fund.

“Since opening to the public Myponga Reservoir Reserve has proved to be extraordinarily popular with the community,” she said.

“Already it’s attracted high interest from potential fund applicants.

“The $5 million fund can provide the stimulus and support applicants need to activate or build on existing sustainable and quality tourism experiences in the state’s national parks, reservoir and forestry reserves, botanic gardens and Crown land.

“New nature-based tourism proposals should offer visitors special experiences in these natural places that nurture and broaden their environmental and cultural understanding and appreciation for conservation.”

In order to be considered, potential projects must collectively demonstrate local conservation, community and economic benefits. As part of the development of new experiences in nature, operators will contribute to conservation programs such as restoring habitats, revegetation and rewilding projects.

Interested parties are asked to submit their fund applications for Myponga Reservoir Reserve by 5pm Friday 30 April 2021. Existing applications will be included in this assessment process.

The Fund will remain open until June 2022 or until the $5 million SA Government investment is exhausted.

Applicants can seek grants from $20,000 to $1 million and are expected to contribute at least half of the total financial costs of their project.

Find out more about the Nature-based Tourism Co-investment Fund by visiting www.coinvest.parks.sa.gov.au.