A community group concerned about potential development on The Bluff, in Encounter Bay, has organised a rally in support of the local landmark.

The rally will be held at the Bluff boat ramp car park on Sunday 5 November at 12noon.

Developer Mark Taplin has been touting an estimated $350 million marina, apartment, hotel and convention centre project on Crown land since February this year.

He has been lobbying state and federal governments to support the project, despite not owning the land nor having the finance behind it.

The City of Victor Harbor adopted its 20-year The Bluff master plan in August 2023, following community consultation, which sets out to protect, conserve and enhance the area.

It recognises the iconic site’s significant environmental, cultural, heritage and recreational value, while also setting out a number of principles to guide all activities within The Bluff Reserve.

The council has declined to support a separate consultation process on the proposed marina development, requested by Mr Taplin.

The Save the Bluff group says it is not anti-development, but it needs to be done respectfully and in a way that is mindful of the local environment and community. 

As well as the Sunday rally, the group has created a petition against the proposed development on Change.org, which has gathered more than 2000 signatures so far.

It is also available to sign in hard copy at many business outlets in Hayborough, Port Elliot, Middleton and Victor Harbor.