REQUEST FOR

Nature-based tourism: New business opportunities 2017/18

PROPOSAL

The South Australian government supports partnerships built on mutual respect and trust between Aboriginal traditional owners, the community and industry. The Department for Environment and Water respects the rights and aspirations of traditional owners for their Country and supports nature-based tourism that values and respects Aboriginal people and their culture.

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MINISTER’S INVITATION TO PARTICIPATEI want people to fall in love with South Australia’s natural environment, because when people love a place they will do far more to care for it.

But we can only really love a place if we have a personal experience with it, immersing ourselves in what it has to offer.

As South Australia’s new Minister for Environment and Water, I am part of a government which wants more people to enjoy our parks, gardens and heritage sites. We want to encourage people into these places, creating experiences that they will remember forever.

The new government wants to partner with the private sector to develop opportunities for more nature-based tourism experiences in South Australia’s natural environment. These initiatives must strike a careful balance between conservation and economic development, raising the profile of our state, welcoming people into our parks, invigorating local economies and creating jobs.

Through an earlier Expression of Interest process, the Department for Environment and Water has received a number of exciting proposals for dining, accommodation and adventure experiences on land which we have stewardship of. These submissions have been assessed and suitable proposals identified for further development.

I am pleased to invite you to expand on your initial proposal to develop a more detailed submission.

This is an exciting time for South Australia as the new government reaches out to the private sector and demonstrates a willingness to make these projects happen.

Let’s work together to create as many opportunities as possible for people to fall in love with South Australia’s natural environment.

The Hon. David Speirs, MPMinister for Environment and Water

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Nature café Morialta Conservation Park

Iconic Victorian residenceBelair National Park

Homestead on the CoorongCoorong National Park

Kangaroo Island adventure hub Kelly Hill Conservation Park

Eco-lodge on the Eyre PeninsulaLincoln National Park

Accessible accommodation hub on the Eyre PeninsulaLincoln National Park

OPPORTUNITIES

Remote island adventuresNeptune Islands Conservation Park

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New garden enterpriseMount Lofty Botanic Garden

Kangaroo Island lighthouseFlinders Chase National Park

Historic fort on Adelaide’s coastlineFort Glanville Conservation Park

World Heritage packageNaracoorte Caves National Park

Mountain bike hubsAdelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges parks

Tourism village on the Yorke PeninsulaInnes National Park

Kangaroo Island lighthouseCape Willoughby Conservation Park

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PROPONENTS

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PREPARATION AND LODGEMENT OF PROPOSALS1. This document, and information regarding each new

business opportunity, is provided to assist proponents in making their own appraisal of the opportunities presented herein, and in deciding whether to submit a proposal. However, the information regarding each new business opportunity is not intended to serve as the basis for an investment decision on the opportunity. Each proponent is expected to make such independent investigation and to obtain such independent advice as he or she may deem necessary for such a decision.

2. All proposals must be lodged via email to the following address: DEWNRNewBusiness@sa.gov.au

3. All proposals must be lodged by 5.00p.m on 31 July 2018.

4. All responses become the property of the Minister once submitted.

5. Any liability in connection with the information contained here, by any interested party, is hereby disclaimed.

6. No responsibility will be accepted by the Department for Environment and Water with respect to the accuracy and completeness of the information provided regarding each new business opportunity.

EVALUATION OF PROPOSALSThe Department for Environment and Water will establish a panel to carefully consider how well each proposal meets each of the criteria (pages 8-9) to determine those proposals that will be invited to participate in Stage 3 (direct negotiation). Proposals that do not comply with the essential criteria may not be evaluated further. In evaluating proposals the panel will consider the overall merits of the proposal and any other information considered relevant.

Guidelines for best practice are provided as a resource to help you prepare your proposal at www.parks.sa.gov.au/newbusiness

The panel will then make recommendations to the Minister. The Minister reserves the right to undertake the following actions:

• Choose information that is to be disclosed. Nothing in this process obliges the disclosure of any particular information to the proponent or its subcontractors, representatives or external advisers.

• Extend the closing date.

• Amend the requirements at any time prior to the closing date.

• Seek additional information from one or more of the proponents on any issue at any time and to continue discussions with one or more of the proponents.

• Discontinue discussions at any time with any proponent.

• Enter into discussions with any other person or company who is not a proponent.

• Allow a proponent to change a proposal.

• Withdraw opportunities from this process before or after the receipt of proposals.

• Seek the advice of external consultants to assist in the evaluation or review of proposals.

• Make enquiries of any person, company or organisation to ascertain information regarding the proponent and the proposal.

• Consider an incomplete proposal.

CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATIONThe Department for Environment and Water expects that all proponents in submitting their proposal will:

• Declare any actual or potential conflict of interest;

• Comply with all South Australian laws applicable to the process;

• Not attempt to influence the outcome of this process by offering any employment, payment or any other incentive to or in any way seek to improperly influence any person employed by the Minister or engaged by the Minister;

• Not make any news releases or responses to media enquiries and questions pertaining to this process or the subsequent selection process without the Minister’s written approval. If any proponent acts contrary to these expectations, the Minister reserves the right to terminate negotiations or consideration of a proposal;

• Meet all costs associated with preparing a proposal and participating in the process, unless agreed in writing.

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Once your proposal is received by the Department for Environment and Water, it will be assessed against ten criteria (pages 8-9). Following that process, the proponents with the best proposal for each opportunity may be invited to proceed to Stage 3 (direct negotiation).

STAGE 1 October 2017 - January 2018

This stage identified expressions of interest that aligned with the nature-based tourism opportunities released by the Government in October 2017.

STAGE 2May 2018 - July 2018

This stage will enable proponents to demonstrate how their proposal will complement Government priorities.

STAGE 3September 2018

This stage will enable preferred proponents to negotiate commercial terms with Government.

HOW YOUR IDEA PROGRESSES

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What should be covered in your proposal? How much detail?

Executive summary

• A high level overview of your proposal, including:

• An explanation of how your proposal is consistent with the scope of the opportunity offered and compatible with the site objectives; and,

• An outline of how you plan to deliver your proposal if selected.

250-400 words

Business details

• Your business name, ABN/ACN (if applicable), postal address and email address.

• The name and contact details of your preferred contact person.

• The opportunity you wish to apply for (a proposal is required for each opportunity).

• A brief description of your skills and experience in developing and operating comparable enterprises.

Up to 250 words

Detailed proposal

• The tourism/guest services you propose to provide (e.g. accommodation, souvenir sales, equipment hire, walking based guided tours etc.).

• Where you propose to provide each of these tourism services.

• How you plan to deliver your proposal (e.g. staffing, community links, construction timeframes if relevant).

• An explanation of how the enterprise will be financed, including any capital investment.

500-2500 words

Other details

• An explanation of how your tourism product or service will be marketed.

• Expected timeframes for product development, construction, launch and future business development.

• An outline of the target marketplace, understanding of competing businesses and indication of how this business will complement the existing offerings or distinguish itself.

• Supporting documentation (financial projections, feasibility studies and any supporting data).

• A description of the modifications (if any) that you propose to make to the site.

• An explanation of how you propose to supply water, provide power, remove storm water, remove effluent and remove rubbish (if necessary).

• A map or description of the area footprint of your proposed enterprise.

500-2000 words

(excluding supporting documentation)

The following information is provided as a guide to help you develop your proposal. It will be important for you to consider how you may address the essential and desirable evaluation criteria (pages 8-9) within your detailed proposal and business plan.

PREPARING YOUR PROPOSAL

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HOW YOUR PROPOSAL WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST OTHER PROPOSALSTo enable the Department for Environment and Water to accurately evaluate proposals, the following criteria have been established. These criteria emphasise the importance of protecting the natural and cultural values of the parks, gardens and heritage sites and the necessity for a sustainable business model that supports the ongoing viability of the opportunity.

There are four essential criteria and six desirable criteria to be addressed. Submissions that address all criteria will be highly regarded.

For more information about best practice, visit www.parks.sa.gov.au/newbusiness.

CriteriaExamples of what the assessment panel will be looking for in a proposal

1. Alignment

The proposal must align with the relevant scope and site objectives

that were described for the opportunity in Stage 1.

(www.parks.sa.gov.au/newbusiness).

• The proposal contains descriptions, maps or diagrams that show how the proposed enterprise is aligned with the scope of the opportunity.

• The proposal explains how the enterprise is aligned to the site objectives.

2. Business Partnering

The proposal helps to develop partnerships between Government

and the private sector.

• The proposal outlines the way in which the enterprise will complement the work of local management authorities.

• The proposal outlines the way in which the enterprise will collaborate with, or complement, other local businesses.

3. Business Viability

The proposal must be commercially viable.

• The proposal demonstrates the financial capacity to fund the enterprise.

• The proposal demonstrates business capacity or has sourced the expertise to initiate and run the enterprise.

• The proposal contains a business model that demonstrates that it is commercially viable.

4. Legislative and regulatory requirements

The proposal must comply with relevant legislation, regulations

and planning controls.

• The proposal outlines the legislation and regulations that will be applicable.

• The proposal demonstrates an understanding of how legislative and regulatory requirements will be met.

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CriteriaExamples of what the assessment panel will be looking for in a proposal

5. South Australia’s profile

Distinctive and authentic nature-based tourism enterprises will attract visitors to the State.

• The proposal contributes to a nature-based tourism experience that is distinctively sought after.

• The proposal demonstrates a commitment to quality visitor experiences and guest services.

6. Benefits to Aboriginal People

Business in parks, gardens and heritage sites can help to improve the education,

employment, local engagement, justice and health and well-being outcomes for Aboriginal people.

• There is evidence that the enterprise is complementary with Traditional Owner values of the site and respectful of the rights and interests of Aboriginal people in relation to the land.

• The proposal outlines employment and business development opportunities for Aboriginal people.

7. Benefits to local economies and jobs

Business in parks, gardens and heritage sites can contribute to South Australia’s goal to inject $350 million into the State economy per year and create new jobs through activation of

the nature-based tourism sector.

• The proposal outlines how it will contribute to the engagement of local contractors and suppliers.

• There is evidence that enterprise will result in ongoing local expenditure by visitors.

• The proposal describes how it will contribute to creating jobs South Australia.

8. Access and opportunities for local people

Businesses in parks, gardens and heritage sites can enhance the recreational,

enjoyment, educational, social, mental and physical health benefits that

parks provide the community.

• The proposal demonstrates understanding of the social licence required to operate, including awareness of the aspirations of local stakeholders and neighbouring residents.

• The enterprise is complementary to the activities of volunteers.

• The proposal addresses how community access, health, appreciation and enjoyment of the site will be enhanced.

9. Construction, design and positioning of infrastructure

Infrastructure in parks, gardens and heritage sites that is well

constructed, designed and positioned can create a sense of place that enhances the visitor experience.

• The proposal describes how facilities are designed to improve visual amenity, are sympathetic to the setting and enable effective visitor movement.

• The proposal addresses how any buildings will capture elements of the traditional owner’s culture, the site’s history, and the local environment.

• The proposal outlines how construction and disturbance is minimised through the use of existing infrastructure footprints or sites that have been previously disturbed. Locally sourced, renewable, durable, environmentally sustainable materials and endemic species are used wherever practicable.

10. Energy, water and waste management practices

New developments in parks, gardens and heritage sites can help to promote the adoption of the very best technologies

and practices in the community.

• The proposal outlines how water requirements are minimised and water sensitive urban design practices are applied.

• The proposal outlines how waste, sewerage and effluent are managed on site without releasing hazardous wastes into the environment.

• The proposal outlines how energy awareness, conservation and efficiency practices are incorporated into the design and operation of the site.

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Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia License www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/au Copyright Owner: Crown in right of the State of South Australia 2018. FIS 95172

FEEDBACKIf at any time during the process a proponent considers that they have been unfairly treated, the proponent must first notify the nominated contact officer in writing. If the matter is not resolved to their satisfaction, they may then contact the Department for Environment and Water Procurement Complaints Officer to request in writing that the issue be resolved.

Procurement Complaints Officer Office of the Chief Executive Department for Environment and Water GPO BOX 1047 Adelaide SA 5001

MORE INFORMATIONIf you have any questions please contact the Department for Environment and Water:

T: 08 8204 9940 E: DEWNRNewBusiness@sa.gov.au