Open for business

Two million dollar Coonawarra Rail Trail project officially unveiled as part of running festival

Member for Barker Tony Pasin has officially opened the Coonawarra Rail Trail with Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll (both pictured).

The project has seen 18.7 km of sealed walking and cycling trails from Riddoch Street in Penola through the Coonawarra to Glenroy-Bool Lagoon Road in Glenroy.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the $2 million project was a long-term vision for many in the community which has now been realised thanks to $1.66m funding from the second phase of the former Coalition Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure program.

“The Coonawarra and Penola communities have been advocating for this project for many years and its fantastic to have been able to deliver Federal Government funding to see the project come to fruition,” Mr Pasin said.

The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program was announced by the Federal Government during the pandemic to support local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local communities.

Mr Pasin said it was fantastic to see projects funded through the program delivering for local communities across the country, included in the Limestone Coast.

“Not only is the trail an exciting new addition to the region for local residents, but it’s an addition to the already vibrant tourism offering in the Coonawarra,” he said.

“To be able to walk or cycle along this trail through the beautiful red gums and vineyards is a major draw card.

“Tourism is an important industry for the Coonawarra and this project is strengthening that industry now and into the future.

“It’s projects like this that make our communities better places to live, work and raise a family.”.

The opening was held in conjunction with the inaugural Coonawarra Running Festival which raises fund and awareness for mental health charity Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation.