Construction will soon start on the Murray Coorong Trail (MCT) thanks to a massive financial boost from the State Government’s Community Recreation and Sport Facilities Program.

The project was awarded $280,000, part of a State Budget allocation of more than $40million to sport and recreation facilities across South Australia.

The three Councils leading the project – Mid Murray, Coorong and Murray Bridge – will collectively contribute a further $101,700 during 2016-17. This will complete construction of 25 kilometres, being the Trail’s first stage in each district.

Once complete, the 450 kilometre trail will promote wellbeing, encourage tourism and business expansion, showcase our River and Coorong, and conserve and protect biodiversity. Work on this project began in 2012, with careful planning ensuring a purpose built trail is designed for walking and bike riding, with the eventual goal to link Cadell in the Riverland to Murray Bridge, and on to Salt Creek in the Coorong.

Mid Murray Council Mayor Dave Burgess said he expected the Trail to become a national icon, with the combined funding a coup not only for community health, but also for the region’s economy.

“The Murray Coorong Trail will help establish the Murray and Mallee as one of the most attractive recreational destinations in our State,” Mayor Burgess says.

“The trail will run along some of our most beautiful stretches of the River Murray and Coorong, showcasing our region to the growing population of walking and cycling enthusiasts who visit.”

Coorong District Council Mayor Neville Jaensch said this project would add strength to the raft of recreational activities already on offer across his district.

“We have been investing heavily in recreational facilities across our district which support people of all ages and abilities, and this major trail will connect them all,” Mayor Jaensch said.

“While the majority of the trail runs along the length of the Murray and Lakes, over time there is capacity to extend recreational opportunities to other communities.”

Rural City of Murray Bridge Mayor Brenton Lewis said the Trail would have an incredibly positive impact on the local community.

“This trail provides a facility for families, older residents, fitness enthusiasts and anyone else interested to get out and be active while exploring our beautiful local area,” Mayor Lewis says.

The Murray Coorong Trail Management Committee will begin detailed planning and community engagement before construction on each of the three Stage One sections begins later this year.

Murray Coorong Trail Fast Facts

• The overall length of the trail is approximately 450 kilometres
• Once complete, the trail will start at the top of the Mid Murray Council at Cadell, and run all the way through to Murray Bridge and beyond to the Coorong’s Salt Creek. Several loops and connections to existing trails will also be featured along the route.
• The $381,700 funding will ensure Stage One in each Council district is fully constructed
• Project planning has been underway since 2012
• The collaborative MCT Management Committee includes representatives from all three Councils, community, State Government organisations, the Riverland and Murralands Regional Development Authority and local Aboriginal leaders
• A feasibility study was completed on this project in 2014, which included stakeholder engagement across the region and an overall trail plan developed
• All three Councils (and OPAL teams) already contributed funds to develop project, including its initial planning stages and developing a new logo (see image top left of page)
• Each Council will undertake further engagement with their respective communities, before likely construction start in late 2016 / early 2017
• It is expected that the full 450km Trail will be completed over a 10-20 year period, and is subject to external resourcing opportunities

Mid Murray Stage One

• 10km route planned for eastern banks of the River, adjacent East Front Road from Kia Marina to Mannum
• Close to River, taking careful consideration of local landholders and environment
• Trail to cross River at Mannum Ferry to access facilities, services and tourism links
• Consultation with local landholders already underway, and continues
• Estimated cost for this Trail section is $165,000 – this includes upgrading some existing surfaces and construction of a new formalised path in some areas

Murray Bridge Stage One

• 5km route planned to run between Toora and Hume Reserves, with exact details to be confirmed
• A link from Lavender Federation Trail to Hume Reserve offers great opportunities
• Consultation with local landholders already underway, and continues
• Estimated cost for this Trail section is $79,200 – this includes the potential construction and upgrade of existing surfaces

Coorong Stage One

• 10km route from Meningie (along Narrung Road), to The Coorong (via Seven Mile Loop Road)
• Trail section to be developed adjacent to the roadway to suit both walking and cycling
• Route to take in views of Lake Albert, and ends at one of the first view points of the Coorong
• Estimated cost for this Trail section is $137,500 – this includes upgrading existing surfaces.

Murray Coorong Trail partners