*IMPORTANT (GOOD) NEWS*
On 18 February 2026 the Coast Protection Board issued its response regarding the Katharsis development proposal, to the State Planning Commission Assessment Panel, directing that Development Application 25024492 be refused.
The Board cited several grounds for refusal, as follows:
REFUSAL REASONS
Planning Consent
Direct Refusal from Coast Protection Board - Schedule 9 (3)(3) Coastal Areas Overlay. The application was referred to the Coast Protection Board under Direction. The Coast Protection Board has directed refusal of the application for the following reasons: The Board considers that the application, in its current form, has not demonstrated that impacts on natural coastal features, habitats and species have been avoided or, where avoidance is not possible, minimised, as required by the relevant Overlay and Zone provisions of the Planning and Design Code. The proposal is inconsistent with key provisions of the Coastal Areas Overlay, Significant Landscape Protection Overlay, Conservation Zone and Visitor Experience Sub zone, and is at significant variance with the Board’s policies on orderly coastal development, landscape protection and biodiversity conservation.
A copy of the full response from the Coast Protection Board can be viewed at: [ Resource Information ].
Subsequently, the State Planning Commission on 23 February 2026 notified of its decision to refuse the application. A copy of its decision notification can be viewed at: [ Resource Information ].
What now?
Stay informed, stay engaged!
While the SPC’s refusal of the Katharsis application is reassuring and welcome, from this group’s point of view, it is possible that the applicant may choose to lodge an appeal against the decision, and/or submit a revised application for further consideration.
It will be important to stay engaged so we can be aware of and respond swiftly and energetically to any further developments in relation to the proposal.
Should the applicant appeal against the decision of the Board or SPC, or lodge a revised approval, Kangaroo Islanders for Sustainable Development will carefully review and consider whether all concerns have been properly addressed, to work out next steps.
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