House debates

Wednesday, 9 February 2022

Statements by Members

Willowie Forest Trails

1:59 pm

Photo of Rowan RamseyRowan Ramsey (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Last week, I was very pleased to participate in the opening of the Willowie Forest bike and walking trails, which are in the southern Flinders, between Melrose and Wirrabara. They are part of the Remarkable Southern Flinders Project, a $10 million project, with 50 per cent funded by the state and the other $5 million coming from the Building Better Regions Fund. It's opening up the national parks. It's creating new parks where Wirrabara Forest stood before it was burnt out in the 2014 Bangor fire, and it's building walking trails, the bike trails, the camping area facilities and viewing platforms. I was at the opening of the bluff platform only in September. Last week, on Friday, I was there with David Speirs, the state environment minister; Dan van Holst Pellekaan, who is the Deputy Premier, minister for resources and also the local member for the Willowie Forest; and mayors Ben Browne, Leon Stephens and Phil Heaslip, from the Northern Areas, Port Pirie and Mount Remarkable councils, respectively.

There is a real boom going on in nature tourism in this part of the world. I'd urge all the people in this chamber—and there's a good crowd here now—if you're looking for a good holiday, come to the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. You won't be sorry. It's a beautiful place, and we're turning on more and more facilities all the time. If you like riding bikes, bring your pushbikes. You'll have a great time.

Photo of Andrew WallaceAndrew Wallace (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.