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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-06-04 Daily Xml
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MATTERS OF INTEREST

KIDMAN TRAIL

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:23): I rise today to speak about the completion and opening of the Kidman Trail, which I recently attended on behalf of the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Present at the opening were Mr Nick Champion, federal member for Wakefield, Leon Bignell, member for Mawson, Iain Evans, member for Davenport, Brian Hurn, Mayor of Barossa Council, Helen Whittle, Chairperson of Horse SA, Julie Fielder, Kidman Trail Project Manager and representatives from Walking SA and Bike SA.

It was a pleasure to represent the minister and to celebrate the completion of the Kidman Trail with those involved in the development, who share a common interest and commitment to the success of recreational trails in South Australia. The organisations involved in the development of the trail celebrated its completion at the State Library's Circulating Library on 19 May. The venue was fascinating, and it is worth members going along just to have a look at the character of that lovely, well kept library.

To commemorate the completion of the trail, horse riders delivered trail maps in saddlebags to the steps of the entrance to the library, where they were handed over to mountain bikers and walkers and then transferred to dignitaries The celebration went on to acknowledge Sir Sidney Kidman, after whom the trail is named, and the influence he had on regional South Australia; the support provided to R.M. Williams to generate a saddle and related products; the significance of the horse in South Australia's landscape; and the need to formalise recreational routes, providing health, social and environmental benefits for South Australians.

Extending 255 kilometres from Willunga to Kapunda, the Kidman Trail is South Australia's first multi-use trail, used for horse riding, mountain biking and walking. The trail is made up of roadsides, quiet farm routes, forest tracks and unmade road reserves passing through McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Mount Lofty Ranges and the Barossa Valley.

The track will complement other iconic and popular South Australian trails, such as the Riesling, Heysen and Mawson trails. The trail is proudly named after Sir Sidney Kidman, who was a prominent local pastoralist and horse breeder. Kidman was one of the greatest pioneers of his time, with unparalleled forethought in business and inimitable community spirit.

The Kidman Trail has been funded by the state government and the federal government. The state government, along with the Office of Recreation and Sport, is the trail manager, and the operational manager is Horse SA. The development of the trail would not have been a success without the partnership between seven local councils (Onkaparinga, Alexandrina, Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, Mid Murray, Barossa and Light), Forestry SA and three private land owners. To make the trail easy to use, directional and trail head signs have been erected. These signs will not only make the trail user-friendly but will also encourage users to take advantage of day trips and extended trail experiences, covering the full 255 kilometres.

The situation of the trail within close proximity to many major retail regional towns embraces community recreation and will encourage and support community recreational infrastructure. The trail will also cater not only for the locals but also for interstate and international visitors to the state, as it has been designed to be accessible all year round.

The Kidman Trail provides a sustainable, safe and scenic experience that highlights the natural beauty, cultural history and major points of interest from Willunga to Kapunda. The Kidman Trail is a fabulous asset for South Australians and thanks should go to all involved in its development. I encourage all members of this chamber to get out and experience what the trail has to offer, as I know I am very keen to do.

The trail is a fantastic tourist attraction, giving access to some of the most beautiful country in South Australia. It is now really up to Tourism SA and the regional tourism areas to market it and sell it to the world. It will provide great economic value not only to the local regions but also to the state of South Australia.

Time expired.

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