Big Project funding boost for key Barossa sports projects

State Government grant funding announced this week will pave the way for a new junior oval and cricket nets at Tanunda Recreation Park, and a new home for Barossa Rams Rugby Club, as part of The Big Project.

The Barossa Council received $580,700 towards a $1.45 million investment in a multi-purpose junior oval, three cricket practice nets, storage shedding and civil works at Tanunda Recreation Park.

Council also received $995,000 to develop new $2.7 million rugby and multi-use facilities at a purpose-built venue adjacent the Rex, Barossa Aquatic Fitness Centre. Facilities include a rugby pitch and three touch football pitches, LED lighting, all use changerooms, clubrooms with function space and storage.

The funding windfall was made available through the latest round of the State Government’s Office of Recreation, Sports and Racing Grassroots Facilities Program.

It means Barossa Rams Rugby Club will relocate from Lyndoch Oval - where shared playing facilities are at a premium - and pave the way for further upgrades at that location. The rapidly-growing club has supported the relocation with a $10,000 cash payment and $300,000 loan in partnership with Council.

Mayor Bim Lange said both projects are a direct response to clubs that need room to grow, and facilities that can grow with them.

“These two projects will deliver much-needed extra space and multi-use, grassroots facilities like lighting, clubrooms, all-use changerooms and playing surfaces, which our sporting clubs are crying out for,” he said.

"Providing contemporary, fit-for-purpose infrastructure means our sporting teams and the wider community can play, train and recreate longer, and more often.

“In addition to the completed Barossa Adventure Station, Tanunda Show Hall and recreation park lighting upgrades, we will now have a further $14.5 million of additional works underway for completion during 2023.

“To receive State Government funding across these two projects and two locations shows a real confidence in our ability to deliver major projects under the banner of The Big Project.” said Mayor Lange.

More information is available at the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR)