Port Augusta City Council Unveils New Tourism Development Strategy 2025-2030
Port Augusta City Council has launched the Port Augusta Tourism Development Strategy 2025–2030, setting a bold and community-focused direction for growing the local visitor economy over the next five years.
The Strategy outlines a vision for a tourism experience that not only attracts visitors from across Australia and beyond but also enriches daily life for local residents. This includes expanding opportunities for cultural engagement, eco-adventures across the arid lands, walking trails, art, food festivals, heritage experiences, and authentic stories that showcase the people and history that make
Port Augusta unique.
Mayor Linley Shine said the Strategy represents an important step forward in shaping a confident future for tourism and community vibrancy.
“We want people to not only visit Port Augusta, but to connect deeply with who we are,” Mayor Shine said. “This plan is about creating experiences that are true to our community and our place — experiences that are sustainable, welcoming, and built around the stories and landscape that make Port Augusta so special.”
The Strategy provides a practical roadmap for a wide range of partners including local tourism and hospitality operators, businesses, regional organisations, investors, and government stakeholders, outlining shared priorities and opportunities for future growth.
Council’s Chief Executive Officer John Banks said Port Augusta has a strong opportunity to reimagine its visitor identity.
“Port Augusta is uniquely positioned to celebrate its landscapes, desert ecology, Aboriginal culture, multicultural community, and role as a crossroad to the outback,” the CEO said. “This Strategy also ensures tourism benefits are shared locally — supporting jobs, revitalising public spaces, and aligning with environmental and community priorities.”
The Port Augusta Tourism Development Strategy 2025–2030 is now available for stakeholders and the community to
read online, and Council looks forward to working with industry operators, residents, and regional partners as implementation begins.
For further information please contact Council’s Media and Communications Officer on (08) 8641 9100.
JOHN BANKS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL
25/11/2025