The NRDB chief executive officer Jerry Johnson said the time was "ripe" for the development of a commercial mooring facility to be implemented in Port Augusta's waterways.

Mr Johnson has been holding talks with the council sub-committee about the future of the local waterways and the feasibility of permanent mooring facilities.

With two established commercial cruise operators and a third on its way, Port Augusta was quickly growing momentum as a tourist destination, Mr Johnson said.

"The time is absolutely ripe for a signature commercial mooring development,” he said.

There has been marked interest from potential investors, with the NRDB having heard from interested parties.

The council has also acknowledged a "very reputable developer(s)" interest in the construction of the mooring facility, city manager John Stephens said.

Mr Stephens said he thought this proposal should "receive some attention" from the sub-committee.

The construction of a commercial mooring facility in the town would be a multi-million dollar investment.

"It's a case of watch this space," Mr Stephens said.