Alexandrina Council and Langhorne Creek industry groups have announced they have secured $7 million from the federal government to make the Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail in this premier wine region a reality.

The $7.06 million grant is part of the $400 million ‘regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP)’ to support transformative investment in regional, rural and remote Australia.

The rPPP grant will fully fund the construction of the 2.8km trail, which is the culmination of many years of planning and advocacy by the Langhorne Creek community, driven by a partnership including Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Association, Langhorne Creek Hub, the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, and Alexandrina Council.

The Council-endorsed concept design for the multi-purpose trail stretches from the intersection of Kent Town Road and Langhorne Creek Road near Bremerton Wines. It winds through the township including Memorial Park and Frank Potts Reserve, and finishes at Bleasdale Winery.

“The Langhorne Creek community has had a vision for many years to create a ‘hero tourism attraction’ in the region, and Council came on board five years ago to join with them to develop the concept for the Discovery Trail and to advocate and apply for funding,” Mayor Keith Parkes says.

“This project has been a fantastic collaboration with our combined Council-community governance group and support from our local RDA making the difference in progressing this successful funding bid.

“It’s the sort of collaboration with community and funding partners that Council wants to continue with future proposals such as the Strathalbyn Lot 10 Recreation Precinct and the Port Elliot soccer grounds.

“The 2.8km Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail linking cellar doors is going to be a beautiful, interesting, safe, and accessible way for visitors and locals to explore this pocket-sized historic wine region by foot or by bike. It will enhance the visitor experience and encourage tourism in an environmentally-sensitive way.

“Langhorne Creek produces up to 45,000 tonnes of grapes each year, but only about 15% of these grapes reach the market with a Langhorne Creek label.

“Having a hero attraction such as this walking and cycling trail will boost Langhorne Creek ‘s profile, attracting new visitors, and increasing regional spending.

“In turn, we believe this will have a flow-on effect of creating opportunities for businesses to attract investment, including investment in tourism accommodation.”

Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Executive Officer Lian Jaensch says the community is thrilled with the level of rPPP investment and believes the discovery trail will drive further growth in the Langhorne Creek region.

"This sort of funding represents a game changer for any community, and we are very lucky to be the recipients.

"Langhorne Creek has so much to offer and this tourism trail will help strengthen the connection between our winemaking community and the traditional Ngarrindjeri nation.

“Both Alexandrina Council and the Langhorne Creek community will continue to work closely with the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation to incorporate their story in this new tourism trail.

"Alexandrina Council has been an essential partner throughout the project development and grant application process and the resulting success is a great example of what can be achieved when regional communities work closely alongside local governments.

"With both the wine industry and wider agriculture industry facing economic and climate challenges, this tourism trail will be a massive morale boost for the whole community."

Alexandrina Council will project manage the delivery of the infrastructure components of the discovery trail which currently includes proposals for:

• Construction of a bituminised 2.85km, 1.8m wide shared use pathway.

• Installation of new bridge culvert.

• Installation of pedestrian refuges.

• Wayfinding signage.

• Landscaping, plantings and irrigation.

• Street furniture.

• Safety bollards.

• Intersection upgrades.

Langhorne Creek industry groups in the partnership will deliver the tourism marketing and promotion component of the Discovery Trail project.