The Barossa is set to play a role in the 2025 AFL Gather Round, with the State Government partnering with Council to deliver a jointly-funded $40 million upgrade to facilities which will leave a lasting legacy for the iconic wine region.
The funding will deliver a full-scale redevelopment of Lyndoch Recreation Park exposing this prized tourist region to a huge national audience and supporting the local economy.
The State Government and The Barossa Council will each contribute $20 million, with support from Barossa District Football and Netball Club, cementing a partnership which will bottle a lasting legacy in the Barossa Valley region.
The Barossa Park Project will see the existing oval upgraded to meet AFL standards, and deliver a precinct fit for multiple sports at community and professional levels as well as opening up new opportunities for festivals, the arts and conferences to come to the region.
This work will include a new multi-purpose building comprising a 300-seat event space and clubrooms with commercial kitchen, multi-sport change facilities and gym.
The project also includes a mini Adelaide oval replica bar and service area to support events and the cricket club, new netball courts, a recreation green and second oval, athletics track, shelters, a new playground and family garden, more carparks and a formalised roadway.
Located only 10 minutes from the 140-room Novotel Barossa, the Barossa Park Project will provide a significant platform for new major events, festivals, national and international sporting events.
The facility will be used year-round for local community and sporting events, including by the Barossa District Football and Netball Club, Lyndoch Cricket Club, Lyndoch Tennis Club, Lyndoch Bowling Club, Little Athletics Lyndoch & Districts, and the Barossa Valley Pigeon Racing Club.
With the Barossa acknowledged as one of the five most-recognised wine regions in the world, the wine and food experience as well as proximity to the CBD the region was a logical choice to be part of the 2025 AFL Gather Round.
"However, it is crucial this investment sees community dividends for decades to come and I look forward to partnering with The Barossa Council to deliver this competition-level multi-use precinct that will benefit both the local sporting community and, also, tourism and visitation outcomes for the Barossa region." said Premier Peter Malinauskas.
This exciting joint partnership by the State Government and Council will deliver a landmark precinct less than an hour from Adelaide's CBD, bringing more visitors and tourism dollars into our regional and State economy as a major events destination.
"Importantly, this investment goes well beyond sport, unlocking opportunity for arts, culture and festivals on a local and national scale. The expansion also puts us ahead of the game in supporting the growth of our new community, Concordia." said Mayor Bim Lange.
"And of course grassroots communities are the big winners through high-quality infrastructure and open space to support participation in community life. We couldn't be more thrilled with the State Government's vision for the Barossa, backed by investment."
