Update May 2025

Alexandrina Council has resolved not to consider the sale or future use of Customs House in Goolwa, until a refreshed review of opportunities is undertaken for the site.

Read the full media release(External link), Council Decision and Report or Community Engagement Report.

For many years the historic Customs House building has been dormant, with Council required to decide on the future and potential activations of the site. At their meeting 28 October 2024, Council resolved for the purposes of public consultation to proceed with the sale of Customs House for the purpose of hotel accommodation-style development.

Alexandrina Council has invested significant time and money in the redevelopment and activation campaign for the Goolwa Wharf Precinct, of which the Customs House site is a critical part. In analysing the commercial mix and opportunities for investment attraction specifically at the Wharf, along with a broader review of market gaps across Alexandrina and the Fleurieu, Council determined there was potential for the site to successfully support a hotel accommodation venture.

The most viable route for this outcome to be achieved, is through the sale of the site to a hotel developer to, plan, build and operate a hotel on the site.

Council consulted with the community about the decision to sell Customs House and the surrounding land for this purpose.

Refer to the Information Document for further details including heritage considerations, timelines and FAQs.