McLaren Vale and Kangaroo Island will benefit from the latest round of state government grants aimed at boosting regional growth and tourism.

More than $170 million worth of projects in regional South Australia will get off the ground creating more than 1,500 jobs, thanks to $25 million from this year’s rounds of the Regional Growth Fund.

The latest $13 million funding round announced today will unlock more than $100 million of investment in seven projects across South Australia including a new tourism and accommodation venue in McLaren Vale.

Announcing the latest round of grant recipients at McLaren Vale, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham, said these projects would not only directly boost local communities but would have more wide-ranging benefits for the state.

“2020 has been a tough year for South Australians and our regions have been hit particularly hard firstly with drought, then bushfires and now the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

“Regional South Australia will be critical to our economic recovery and the Marshall Liberal Government is building what matters to back businesses to create jobs.

Beresford Estate is owned by South Australian company Bickford’s Group and Managing Director Angelo Kotses said the upgrade would provide another world-class destination at McLaren Vale.

“McLaren Vale is an iconic part of South Australia and our $10 million project will see a Vale Brewing taphouse and accommodation pavilions built as part of our Beresford Estate,” Mr Kotses said.

“This project will expand what we currently offer at McLaren Vale and provide another tourism option for those visiting the region, helping boost the local economy.”

A further $9 million injection into the state’s economy will soon be unlocked thanks to projects announced as part of the Tourism Industry Development Fund.

Projects include a new cellar door in the Fleurieu Peninsula, and the relocation and refurbishment of a café on Kangaroo Island.

Premier Steven Marshall says these projects will provide a huge economic boost for the tourism industry and create hundreds of jobs in the process.

“This $9 million injection into the South Australia’s economy will help attract more visitors to our world-class regions and create nearly 350 jobs at time when we need them most,” he says.

Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards has been granted $316,533 towards a million dollar project to build a new cellar door and wine education hub.

Cactus Kangaroo Island has been granted $37,678 towards relocation and refurbishment of its café and to set up a new cooking school experience. The total project is worth $125,593.

Applicants to the Regional Growth Fund were eligible to seek grants from $50,000 up to $2 million, with projects given preference if they can demonstrate a greater private-to-government funding ratio and demonstrable strong economic outcomes.

The Tourism Industry Development Fund runs until 31 March 2022 or until all funds have been allocated.