Council Disappointed by Funding Loss
The review found that the Hahndorf township improvements and access upgrade, with a federal budget allocation of $200 million, is now considered “undeliverable”.
The Hahndorf project, a key priority for the district, had secured $200 million from the Australian Government and an additional $50 million from the South Australian Government. Council had committed $2.7 million towards the enhancement of Hahndorf’s main street.
The proposed improvements included new street seating, enhanced outdoor dining areas, footpath upgrades and extensions, interpretative signage, and heritage plaques for historical buildings. Regrettably, without the funding from the Federal and State Governments, these well-advanced plans for the main street upgrade cannot proceed as initially envisaged.
This decision comes as a considerable setback for the local community and the State, particularly after years of dedicated advocacy and financial commitment towards the project by Council. The upgrade of Hahndorf’s historic Main Street was identified as a key priority by the Council in 2018, reflecting its cultural and economic significance.
Council remains committed to seeking alternative funding avenues, through government and private investment channels, for the project's eventual realisation.
Hahndorf is Australia’s second most visited town and attracts over 1 million visitors a year, playing a crucial role in driving economic activity and employment in one of Australia's fastest-growing regions. This requires significant investment by all three spheres of government in infrastructure and community services to sustain this growth.
