Resort building momentum

Building of a luxury resort in the northern Grampians could begin within months.

Developers of the $26.2-million Mount Zero Resort project are awaiting Environment Protection Authority approval and confirming building contractors before the build can start.

Australian Wildflowers managing director Jo Gardner said the project had secured funds required for the stage-one build – including a State Government investment of $8.5-million, debtor funding and private equity.

The resort will feature 40 luxury accommodation villas, a restaurant and a café along with a spa and wellness facility, plunge pool, a function centre and landscaped gardens.

It will be on Australian Wildflowers property abutting the Grampians Peaks Trail head and Grampians National Park at Mount Zero.

Ms Gardner said the build could start as soon as mid-year.

“We were looking local first, but have been talking with builders across the state who have the capacity to look at the project,” she said.

“We’re pretty close to signing a contract with a builder, who has been doing quotations, using local sub-contractors where possible.

“We allowed ourselves two years for the build, initially, but we hope to do it in a lot less time.”

Ms Gardner and business partners worked on the accommodation project for some years and engaged awardwinning Adelaide-based Troppo Architects to work on a draft plan.

The company specialises in environmentally-sustainable developments and is experienced in designing projects appropriate for national parks.

Horsham Rural City Council granted a planning permit for stage-one of the project last month.

A long-term staged concept involves a range of up to 110 short-stay accommodation units.

Ms Gardner said among the next steps for the project was forming a community consultative group to continue engaging and informing interested people.

Mount Zero Resort will be the first accommodation centre of its kind to tap into the north-west potential of Grampians National Park.

Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the resort was expected to deliver $43.6-million in economic benefits during the construction phase alone.

It also aims to provide 17,520 additional overnight stays in the Grampians annually, which will attract more visitors to the region.

Mr Dimopoulos said the resort ‘strongly aligned’ with increasing access to nature-based tourism – which is a key pillar in the government’s ‘Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan’.

The resort was also named in Grampians Tourism’s Investment Prospectus as a major opportunity to attract investment into the region.

The funding is part of the government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.

“It’s fantastic to see the Mount Zero Resort project one step closer – this project is set to invigorate the Grampians by becoming a new tourism drawcard to showcase all the region has to offer,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said the project would further support the appeal of drawcards such as the Grampians Peaks Trail.

“Our Grampians Strategic Tourism Investment Report found that accommodation demand will outstrip supply by 2027, with visitation expected to double over the next 10 years,” he said.

“With more than $60-million of state and federal funding in tourism infrastructure support committed and over $250-million worth of current and future private tourism investment projects underway, now is the perfect time to invest in our destination.”

Ms Gardner said people wanting more information could email feedback@mtzeroresort.com