THE much anticipated Coonawarra Rail Trail is well underway with an official sod turning ceremony taking place earlier this week.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin joined with Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll and the trail’s project manager Muni Krishn welcomed the official opening of the site.
The project will consist of a 15km stretch of the Penola-Coonawarra rail trail ending at the popular Father Woods Park.
The Wattle Range Council has received $2.6m via the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to fund this project alongside a number of others within the council electorate.
Mr Noll said the council was pleased to be supporting the Coonawarra and Penola residents with the tourism initiative.
“A project that has been a long time coming is now in its development stages.” Mr Noll said.
“It’s an opportunity to get out into the magnificent countryside and in amongst the vines which produce world class wine, charge your glasses and salute this walking trail initiative.”
Mr Pasin said the rail trail was a long-awaited project which would also cater to a range of users including recreational walkers, runners, cyclists and tourists visiting the wineries.
“I am pleased to be partnering with the Wattle Range Council to ensure this Coonawarra Rail Trail project gets underway supporting jobs in our local communities, as well as make the Limestone Coast a better place to live, work and raise family.“ Mr Pasin said.
