Planning decision made on Barossa InterContinental development

Planning approval has been granted for a significant new hotel and tourism development in the Barossa Valley, paving the way for a major hospitality project in one of South Australia’s most recognised wine regions.

The Minister for Planning has approved an application by Strategic Alliance and Commercial Pty Ltd to develop a five‑star hotel and winery at Hoffnungsthal Road, Williamstown.

The project, known as the InterContinental Barossa Resort and Spa, would deliver up to 150 hotel rooms, along with a restaurant and premium function and conference facilities. Once operating, the development is expected to generate an estimated $70 to $100 million in annual economic benefits to the Barossa region.

The proposal was declared a Major Project on 8 August 2024 and assessed as an Impact Assessed Development, the most rigorous level of assessment under South Australia’s planning system. This pathway required the preparation of a detailed Environmental Impact Statement, with assessment requirements set by the independent State Planning Commission.

As part of the assessment process, the Environmental Impact Statement was made available for feedback from the community, government agencies and council. Matters raised through consultation, including landscape and character, traffic and congestion, bushfire risk, infrastructure impacts and design considerations, were examined as part of the assessment.

The Minister’s decision, assessment report and supporting documentation are available on the PlanSA portal.