A new home for the Barossa Rams Rugby Club is a step closer, with a sod-turning marking the start of construction on-site at Tanunda.
The new $5.2 million rugby and multi-use facilities will be constructed by The Barossa Council at a purpose-built venue adjacent the Rex.
Facilities include a rugby pitch which also accommodates three touch football pitches, LED sports lighting, all use changerooms, clubroom with function space and storage.
The project is supported by $995,000 State Government funding through the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.
Mayor Bim Lange said the project will enable the growing Barossa Rams Rugby Club to relocate from Lyndoch to the new Tanunda facilities.
"This project will deliver fit for purpose, multi-use facilities like lighting, clubroom and playing surfaces, which will support current and future growth and participation in rugby in our region," he said.
"Through The Big Project initiative we are genuinely transforming our sport and recreation infrastructure in the Barossa for the next generation."
Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard said, "Sport plays an incredibly important role in regional communities across this State, bringing people and communities together, and keeping them active and healthy.
"This project complements other important sporting infrastructure investments in the Barossa, all of great benefit to those who participate in sport and the broader community.
"It is really lovely to be in the beautiful Barossa to commemorate this important milestone with those who have worked so hard toward this project. I thank Council and everyone involved for their efforts; I look forward to seeing the facilities come to life and make a difference for generations to come."
Local Member for Schubert, Mrs Ashton Hurn said it's great to see the rugby development getting underway this week.
"This brand new purpose-built facility will be a great asset for our region and seeing boots on the ground, getting it all underway is just fantastic," she said.
"When funding was announced last year by the former liberal government, it formed part of the largest ever investment into grassroots sport - and ultimately this partnership between Council and the Barossa Rams is all about keeping people healthy and building a stronger local community."
