Major expansion secured for Ocean Dunes Golf Course
The Ocean Dunes golf course facilities on King Island will undergo a major expansion thanks to a $10 million Tasmanian Government loan.
Recognising the potential to significantly boost King Island visitor numbers, Ocean Dunes Holdings Ltd has proposed a $35.5 million major expansion of its visitor facilities, creating 64 hotel rooms and new reception, restaurant and bar facilities.
Premier and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Jeremy Rockliff, said the Tasmanian Government will provide a $10 million commercial loan, as recommended by the Tasmanian Development Board, to support the development and help further grow visitation to the island.
“This is a fantastic project for King Island and will support Tasmania’s position as a leader on the international golf stage,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Expansion of the Ocean Dunes visitor facilities is underpinned by heightened demand from golfers wanting to play at King Island, which currently exceeds the island’s tourist accommodation capacity.
“The company, which provided a strong business case for this support, has all the required development approvals in place and is ready to begin construction, which is great news for eager golfers and tourists alike.”
The development will bring far-reaching benefits to the island when completed in 2025.
“This exciting project will provide much-needed additional accommodation rooms, which will not only benefit the island’s two world-class golf courses but also the other tourism businesses,” Premier Rockliff said.
“When the development is finished, 78 permanent full-time equivalent jobs will be created, helping diversify the economy in the face of global and economic headwinds.
“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are sustainably growing our tourism and hospitality sector and supporting our regional communities.”
King Island is home to two of Australia’s top-ranked golf courses, with Cape Wickham currently ranked number one by Australian Golf Digest and Ocean Dunes ranked number 13.