Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance (KITA) has today released its 2026 State Election Priorities, outlining a clear and constructive roadmap to support the long-term success of the Island’s visitor economy, environment, and community.
The priorities outline three key focus areas requiring urgent commitment from the next South Australian Government:
- Intergovernmental Collaboration
- Access to Kangaroo Island
- Implementation of the Kingscote and Penneshaw Master Plans
KITA Chair Wendy Campana emphasised the opportunity for all political parties to engage meaningfully with Kangaroo Island’s industry leaders, residents and local government, and to demonstrate long-term leadership and partnership in regional development.
Intergovernmental Collaboration
Kangaroo Island’s challenges and opportunities are complex and multifaceted. The re-establishment of a structured intergovernmental framework is a key priority. This includes forming a Kangaroo Island Intergovernmental Group (KIIG), comprising key State Government departments, Kangaroo Island Council, and industry leaders. A formal Memorandum of Understanding would ensure coordinated responses to Island-specific issues such as housing, workforce development, infrastructure, and tourism planning.
Access to Kangaroo Island
Access remains a persistent barrier to visitation and economic growth. While recent progress in air services and ferry pricing is acknowledged, further action is needed to improve affordability and convenience for both residents and visitors. KITA is advocating for:
- A second airline servicing Kangaroo Island to increase competition, improve service reliability, and ensure year-round connectivity, particularly during peak periods.
- Direct air routes from Sydney or Melbourne to facilitate seamless travel for international and interstate visitors, helping to grow premium and group travel segments.
- Ongoing support for seasonal aviation services, including co-investment during off-peak months, to address the Island’s visitor seasonality and support tourism operator viability.
- Improved bus connectivity between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island ferry terminals, with schedules aligned to ferry departure and arrival times, to meet the expectations of international and interstate travellers and reduce friction in the travel journey.
- Enhanced ferry affordability and accessibility, particularly during shoulder and low seasons. This includes exploring flexible pricing models, subsidised off-peak fares, and value-added packages. KITA also seeks State Government co-investment in cooperative marketing to encourage off-peak visitation and reduce seasonal business fluctuations.
- A sustainable operating model for Kangaroo Island Airport, including a feasibility study into shared service delivery or operational transition, alongside interim financial support and a review into infrastructure upgrades to ensure the airport’s long-term viability and strategic alignment with access goals.
Kingscote and Penneshaw Master Plans
Kangaroo Island’s main arrival and civic precincts need investment to meet visitor expectations and unlock local potential.
- In Penneshaw, implementing the existing Master Plan will improve the ferry and cruise visitor experience, while also easing community impacts.
- For Kingscote, KITA is calling for the development of a new Master Plan to revitalise the waterfront and wharf precincts to create a multi-use harbour area supporting tourism growth, community use, and economic diversification
Regional Tourism Manager Megan Harvie noted:
“These priorities reflect what our industry and community need most: meaningful collaboration across government, better access for residents and visitors, and the development of our key arrival and harbour areas. This is about investing in the foundations of a sustainable future for Kangaroo Island, one that balances tourism, community wellbeing, and environmental care.”
KITA welcomes the opportunity to engage constructively with candidates and parties in the lead-up to the 2026 election. With the right partnerships and policy settings, Kangaroo Island can continue to thrive as a globally recognised destination that balances economic strength with environmental stewardship and community wellbeing. Together, we can ensure the Island remains a place of opportunity, innovation and pride, for residents, visitors, and for generations to come.
For media enquiries or further information, please contact:
Megan Harvie, Regional Tourism Manager
Ph 0488 035 887
megan@tourkangarooisland.com.au