Major land agreement unlocks future growth, trail connections and coastal protection for Port Lincoln

The City of Port Lincoln is excited to announce that a significant land agreement has been reached with local landholder Dean Lukin Jr, opening up major opportunities for new growth, recreation, improved connections and long‑term environmental protection for the community.

The $151,500 landmark agreement secures around 16 hectares of additional open space and coastal hazard buffer along the former BHP rail corridor, including land required for the future Western Link Road corridor.

Establishing the 4.3 kilometre road corridor in the city’s Western Growth Area will allow Council to open up undeveloped land for new homes, businesses and industry, creating jobs and delivering long-term economic benefits for the community and the wider Eyre Peninsula region.  The Western Link Road will also improve how people move around Port Lincoln by easing pressure on residential streets, supporting better traffic distribution and establishing a resilient freight corridor that strengthens connectivity between industrial areas and key port and marina infrastructure.

Securing the former BHP rail corridor between Greyhound Road and Investigator Road, Tulka also creates a major opportunity for recreation and tourism. The land provides a continuous alignment for Council to connect and extend the Parnkalla Trail by around 11 kilometres, linking it with the Investigator Trail and Lincoln National Park. This future connection will create a long-distance coastal trail that supports tourism, outdoor recreation, active lifestyles and improved community connectivity.

Mayor Diana Mislov said, “This agreement is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for Port Lincoln. By securing both the Western Link Road corridor and the future Parnkalla Trail extension, we’re helping to shape a city that is better connected, more resilient and positioned for opportunity.  It supports new housing and jobs while protecting our natural environment and expanding opportunities for the community to enjoy it.  This is a fantastic outcome for our community and the city’s future.”

“This agreement is a strategic win for Port Lincoln. It secures valuable land for the public and positions Council to attract investment and funding for infrastructure that will unlock new residential and employment areas.”

The agreement also plays a vital role in protecting Port Lincoln’s coastline, increasing Council’s open space portfolio by almost 10%. This coastal corridor forms a substantial buffer for the city, helping to safeguard the community from future coastal hazards while preserving natural landscapes.  The outcome aligns strongly with Council’s Open Space Strategy 2021–2026, Strategic Directions Plan 2025–2034, and Council’s long-term focus on climate resilience and coastal adaptation.

Beyond roads, trails and open space, the agreement also maintains options for future upgrades to the Proper Bay boat ramp and related marine infrastructure, supporting the City’s Coastal & Marine Infrastructure Strategy 2025–2035.

For decades, the Lukin family has been closely connected to Port Lincoln’s seafood and fishing industries, helping to build the foundations of a sector that now underpins the city’s economy and identity as the Seafood Capital of Australia. Through business leadership, innovation and ongoing local investment, their contribution has supported jobs, strengthened local supply chains and encouraged confidence in Port Lincoln as a place to do business. Dean Lukin Jr has continued this legacy through business development and investment, reflecting a commitment to economic diversification and supporting growth and long-term opportunities for the Port Lincoln community.

Dean Lukin Jr said, “My family has been part of Port Lincoln for generations, and I’m pleased to work with Council on an agreement that continues our longstanding commitment to the city.   I’m proud that this land will now serve a broader purpose for the community I have grown up in.”

“Knowing this land will help create new opportunities for local families and businesses makes this a very rewarding outcome for us.”

Mayor Diana Mislov said, “On behalf of Council, I want to sincerely thank Dean Lukin Jr for his community-focussed approach and ongoing commitment to Port Lincoln.  His partnership has been instrumental in delivering outcomes that strengthen Port Lincoln’s future.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:

City of Port Lincoln Chief Executive Officer Eric Brown
Ph:  8621 2325 | Email: plcc@plcc.sa.gov.au