Hahndorf Main Street Maintenance Plan
In response to the Australian Government's 2023 decision to withdraw its portion of the $250 million allocated for the Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade project, the broader upgrade for Hahndorf Main Street is now on hold. The project will remain paused until the Mount Barker District Council secures new external funding.
The council’s General Manager Infrastructure, Phil Burton said, “originally Council estimated an upgrade of the paving and landscaping in the main street to cost around $7 million and had supported a $2.7 million contribution toward that upgrade.
“The Australian Government’s Infrastructure Investment Program Review decided that the Hahndorf Township Improvements and Access Upgrade project would not receive funding, as it did not meet the criteria for projects of national significance.”
Despite the delay in the larger upgrade, the council is committed to ensuring the safety, accessibility, and overall appearance of the Main Street. Following a thorough inspection in June 2024, Council staff identified more than 30 maintenance issues, including deteriorating footpaths, damaged kerbs, stormwater drainage concerns, and inadequate lighting and signage. Some of these issues pose potential trip hazards, while others affect the street's accessibility and amenity.
“To address these concerns, Council has endorsed a $200,000 interim maintenance plan,” Mr Burton said.
“This program will target essential repairs to ensure public safety and improve the street's presentation as one of South Australia's premier tourist destinations with over 1 million visitors each year.
“Given the importance of this work, Council has decided to redirect funds from its footpath renewal budget to cover the unbudgeted cost of the maintenance program. This decision ensures that the works can proceed without delay and without adding additional costs to ratepayers.”
The Council will review its budget in October to determine if any other projects need to be deferred to accommodate this maintenance plan.
