Sensational-Adelaide.com

A MAJOR upgrade of Kingscote Airport to handle bigger jets will be proposed today.

This proposal is part of a plan to double visitors to Kangaroo Island and make it the jewel in the state's tourism crown.

A report from the Economic Development Board is also likely to recommend upgrading the island's road network, providing better power sources for the island and new education opportunities.

Part of the education plan is understood to involve a new College of Excellence, which would attract interstate and overseas students, as well as local students.

The college is expected to concentrate on hospitality, tourism and environmental management.

Premier Mike Rann and Tourism Minister John Rau believe the island has been limited by its isolation and lack of infrastructure. Both say the EDB report will provide a blueprint for the sustainable development of the island.

Mr Rann said a community Cabinet meeting would be held on the island in July, at which the proposed development plan would be discussed with residents.

The Southern Ocean Lodge is regarded as a key tourist development and the type of accommodation that will attract more visitors to the island. However, air-traveller numbers are limited by airport capacity.

The Kingscote runway is too short and too soft to take aircraft with more than a 34-seat capacity, while small private and corporate jets (mostly headed for the Southern Ocean Lodge) have hard, narrow tyres that damage the runway surface.

Mr Rann said it was still relatively difficult and expensive to get into and out of Kangaroo Island. "Lance Armstrong could not holiday there because the airport was not big enough for his personal jet," he said.

The EDB is expected to recommend the airport - now owned and operated by the Kangaroo Island Council - be leased to a private operator so the runway can be lengthened and strengthened, and the terminal refurbished.

The report is also likely to recommend reviewing the prices charged for the SeaLink ferry service and the construction of a new ferry terminal at Penneshaw.

"We think there is the potential to double the number of tourists each year (from 185,000)," Mr Rann said.

The proponents of a Swim with the Tuna proposal for Kangaroo Island have countered claims the venture will not suit the island's tourism profile.

Conservationists say plans to boost tourism numbers could endanger the island's natural image and the caged tuna proposal is an example of inappropriate development.

But Emma Forster from Swim with the Tuna says the attraction already operates off Port Lincoln and is environmentally friendly.

"The Parndana wildlife park, their animals are in cages, the raptor, birds of prey they're in cages and all - don't get me wrong, very great tourism attractions. Tuna are something that the everyday person doesn't get to see - these fish are happy, they're fed, there's been no proven environmental impact from our operation," she said.

iTouch(myself) wrote:until I see another ferry company muscling its way in, (even if it's government owned) will I be happy with KI.

Several hundred people will be affected by a mechanical fault on the Kangaroo Island ferry, with crossings from the mainland to the island cancelled until at least Thursday.