New jobs and another boost for South Australia’s regional economy is on the way with $1.5 million worth of upgrades to transform the state’s forests into world-class tourism destinations, building a stronger future with investment in nature-based experiences. 

The funding from the state government’s new $25 million Opening our Great Outdoors Fund will revitalise sites at Kuitpo Forest and Second Valley Forest. 

The investment follows a 221 per cent increase in visitor numbers at ForestrySA sites in 2020-21, with an estimated 467,871 people visiting the forest reserves. 

Rockey Creek and Chookarloo picnic areas at Kuitpo Forest will receive $400,000 worth of upgrades to further improve and enhance infrastructure to accommodate high visitor numbers, including new toilets, new shelters, extra picnic tables and fire pits, signage and new camp sites. 

Ingalalla Falls at Second Valley Forest will have $250,000 invested for new hike and bike ride trails, signage and barriers at the base of the falls to prevent dangerous climbing. 

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham says visitor numbers at ForestrySA sites have more than doubled. 

“Our campgrounds and forests are more popular than ever with visitor numbers booming across the state and that’s why we’re building a stronger future for South Australians with investment in nature-based experiences,” he says. 

“Our funding continues to provide a significant economic boost to our regions and support local jobs as we continue our strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Chookarloo Picnic Area is next to the popular campground as well as the proposed TreeClimb at Kuitpo Forest and Rockey Creek Picnic Area is at an intersection of the Heysen, Eucalyptus and Kidman trails, which is popular for horse riders and increased use by bikes.” 

Funding for this project comes from existing department resources which were previously allocated. 

Ingalalla Falls will also benefit from a $160,000 grant to the District Council of Yankalilla to improve the visitor experience.

Announced by Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs, the grant will contribute to a total project cost of $337,000.

This will be the second stage of a planned three-stage Second Valley Forest ‘Shared Stewardship Sustainable Trails’ project the council is undertaking in partnership with ForestrySA.

It includes creation of a new carpark to increase capacity, installation of accessible toilet facilities and upgrade of sections of the current trail to Ingalalla Falls to class two, to make the walk suitable for wheelchair users and family groups. 

Two loop walking trails will also be established at Ingalalla Falls (1.2km) and Barton Ruins (2.2km). 

“Our investments in these projects will help deliver sustainable, quality tourism experiences across South Australia boosting the visitor economy and creating local jobs,” Minister Speirs says. 

Project works are expected to start in early April 2022 and be completed in June 2022.