“Transformational community outcomes” are expected to continue to flow to the region after The Barossa Council adopted the next phase of The Big Project priorities, at a value of almost $39 million.
The targeted plan is underpinned by almost three years of research, assessment and engagement by Council, with Mayor Bim Lange describing the outcome as “momentous”.
“This decision is the result of three years of work by Council and our community to plan for the future of our sporting and recreation facilities and cultural and heritage services,” he said.
“It gives us a mandate to continue moving forward in delivering our aspirational, multi-generational plan to strengthen and grow the Barossa.
“While we recognise this next phase could take five to 10 years to implement and relies on successful grant outcomes and lobbying, importantly we have a plan that has been through a rigorous and robust process to identify the next phase of community priorities.
“Our vision from day one was to deliver jobs and growth in our community and provide health and wellbeing outcomes that will genuinely transform the Barossa over a 35-year horizon, and we are continuing to turn that vision into a reality.”
The next phase of recreation and sport priorities endorsed by Council are:
Tanunda Recreation Park | $6.918M | Clubrooms, new playground entrance, junior oval, cricket net relocation |
Southern Barossa Hub | $6.968M | 4x turf pitches, oval surface/widening, lighting, clubroom/changeroom upgrades, relocation of rugby |
Nuriootpa Centennial Park | $6.52M | 4x soccer pitches, soccer clubroom/changerooms, drainage, cricket net relocation |
Talunga Park & Old Talunga Park | $2.872M | Tennis and netball court redevelopment, equestrian stabling and linkages, caravan park upgrades |
Murray Recreation Park | $145K | Alterations to toilet, pavilion, shower and laundry block |
Stockwell Recreation Park | $2.428M | Changeroom facilities, spectator viewing, bmx track |
Angas Recreation Park | $3.353M | Junior oval, clubroom/changeroom and show hall upgrades, relocate cricket nets |
A $9.757 million Barossa Culture Hub to activate arts, culture and tourism outcomes also remains a top priority, with aquatics development to be considered separately.
Council has already completed or is currently delivering key Big Project works including:
- Access to the Warren Reservoir for recreational activity;
- New bridge replacement at Williamstown Oval to service the community and future growth of the caravan park;
- Tanunda Oval lighting, power upgrades, oval expansion and the Barossa Show Hall;
- Nuriootpa multi-use changing rooms;
- Land purchase north of Nuriootpa Centennial Park to cater for future growth and soccer expansion;
- Angaston Railway Station masterplan implementation to include a regional destination play space;
- Upgrades to Old Talunga Park netball and tennis courts (subject to a successful Grassroots grant application currently underway);
- Second oval at the Angas Recreation Park (subject to a successful Grassroots grant application currently underway).
Mayor Lange said the new targets set by Council will continue to be subject to independent economic and financial analysis as part of Council’s commitment to long-term financial sustainability.
Council will seek grant funding for at least one third of the projected costs, with plans to borrow $22.4 million.
“In coming weeks Council will provide more detail to our clubs and working groups who have supported us with this significant planning process and will continue to work in partnership with them, the community and other stakeholders, as this is pivotal to ensuring these important community projects move forward,” he said.
