Kangaroo Island Council Elected Members Tour Key Projects and Future Developments
On 4 March 2025, Kangaroo Island Council’s Elected Members toured key infrastructure and community project sites, gaining firsthand insight into their progress and impact.
The visit allowed members to see essential works in action, including roadside vegetation management, new culvert installations, and comparisons of different road materials and maintenance techniques. They also stopped at the Vivonne Bay Playground, which is set for an upgrade following public consultation, and visited major projects like the Biochar facility and the Parndana East Community Wastewater Management Scheme (CWMS).
Council is assessing opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and enhance service reliability for residents.
Mayor Michael Pengilly emphasised the value of these visits, stating, “Seeing these projects up close helps us make informed decisions that benefit our community. It’s an essential part of responsible planning and governance.”
A major highlight was the Kangaroo Island Biochar Project led by Re-Vi, which is nearing full operation. Members observed how bushfire-damaged timber is being repurposed into biochar and how cleared land is returning to agriculture, with sheep now grazing on the MacGill’s property. The chipping machine was in full operation, and members were briefed on how the facility will be fully self-sustaining, with a portion of biochar reintegrated into local soils to aid regeneration.
The project will convert 4.5 million tonnes of fire-damaged timber into agricultural-grade biochar, making it one of the largest biochar and carbon removal initiatives globally. Members received a detailed briefing from James Davies, Executive Chairman of Re-Vi, who outlined the project's long-term vision for land rehabilitation, carbon sequestration, and economic benefits. He explained how the facility's cutting-edge technology ensures efficient processing of fire-damaged timber, while also contributing to global carbon removal efforts and supporting sustainable agriculture. The project will also generate carbon removal credits, contributing to net zero targets while providing long-term environmental and economic benefits for the region.
James Davies described the innovative nature of the project and the importance of engaging with the KI Council, stating “Re-Vi looks forward to developing a successful project on Kangaroo Island, which has the potential to be one of the largest biochar and carbon removal projects globally. The support of the KI Council and the local community is essential as the local workforce and infrastructure are critical to ensuring the business succeeds in its operations.”
Michael Pengilly highlighted the positive economic impact of the Biochar project, stating, “This initiative is not only an environmental game-changer but a significant boost for our local economy. With 70 jobs already created, the project is bringing real benefits to Kangaroo Island, particularly the western end of the Island, and will continue to drive new opportunities.”
A second tour is scheduled in April, where Elected Members will visit additional sites to continue assessing key infrastructure and community projects. Insights from these visits will shape future planning and investment, ensuring Council continues to support sustainable development and resilient infrastructure.
These site visits align with Kangaroo Island Council’s 10-year Community Strategic Plan, reinforcing its commitment to responsible infrastructure investment, environmental stewardship, and economic development. By actively engaging with projects on the ground, Council is ensuring long-term sustainability, improved service delivery, and economic opportunities for the Kangaroo Island community. By engaging directly with projects on the ground, Council is ensuring informed decision-making and strategic investment that benefits the region now and into the future.
Elected Members visit the Vivonne Bay Campground playground, which is set for an upgrade following public consultation.
James Davies and Will Banton from the Kangaroo Island Biochar Project provide a briefing to Elected Members on-site, discussing the facility’s progress and future impact.
Will Banton and Elected Members observe the wood chipping machine in action at the Kangaroo Island Biochar Project, as fire-damaged timber is processed into biochar.
Elected Members observe the biochar plant, based currently at McGill’s property.