Flinders Ranges and Outback Integrated Strategic Tourism Plan

Final Plan
Infrastructure and Services that Support Positive Visitor Experiences
9.0 INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES THAT SUPPORT POSITIVE VISTOR
EXPERIENCES
Infrastructure includes physical items such as roads, toilets, signage, boat ramps, picnic
facilities, shelters, boardwalks, cycle paths and jetties which are usually provided by public
authorities for the free use of residents and visitors. These items facilitate the experience for
visitors.
It also includes utilities such as power, telecommunications and water supply. Services are
those items provided by local people to tourists while they are in the area to support their
visit. This includes visitor information services, chemist and medical services, internet access,
groceries and fuel.
The Outback Areas Community Development Trust undertook an assessment of regional
infrastructure as part of the State of the Outback Report released in 2005. The assessment
focussed on water, transport, energy and communications and found significant short
comings in the areas of
• basic tourism infrastructure including toilets and signs
• water – quality and quantity to support industry development including tourism and
mining
• communications – access to equivalent standard including broadband internet access
• power – access to a continuous adequate and secure source of power
• waste management.
Many communities considered that they had raised these issues with the NRDB, Council’s,
OACDT and utility providers, sometimes without receiving a response they considered to be
satisfactory.
Specific issues identified during the consultation for this project are described below.
Access to potable water is a big issue for Blinman which urgently needs a sanitising system.
Water supply could also be an issue for Innamincka if tourist numbers increase significantly.
The cost of power impacts on all businesses but was specifically raised in Blinman, William
Creek and Innamincka. Innamincka looks set to benefit from geothermal power. Both
Blinman and William Creek would be interested in alternative energy sources.
Access to communications technology is an issue with even the basic public phone proving
difficult to maintain in places like William Creek and Mungerannie, where this service is
essential for travellers.
UHF coverage has been increased but there are still gaps in some parts of the Outback.
Satellite mobile phone coverage is available across the region. CDMA Services are being
Urban & Regional Planning Solutions
d:\frosa region istp\frosa region istp.doc Page 64