Hahndorf nature reserve set to be turned into new mountain bike hub
A new tourism venture could be on the cards for Hahndorf with hundreds of Hills residents backing a petition to see an unused reserve turned into a mountain bike and multi-use trail hub. Vote in our poll.
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Plans are underway to turn an unused reserve in Hahndorf into a new tourism destination for mountain bikers and walkers.
A staff deputation on the future management of Yantaringa Reserve, along Fairview Rd, will be put before Mount Barker District Council on Monday night, following a push by locals to see the site developed for community use.
This includes the creation of a new mountain bike hub - a vision supported by over 1300 locals who expressed their desire for a trail network in a change.org petition launched last month.
Petitioner Josh Hughes said cycling opportunities were limited within the Mount Barker council region.
“There currently is nowhere for kids and adults to ride or walk around in a natural open space in the Hahndorf area without having to get into the car and drive to the closest recreation park or trails,” he said.
“So our vision is to create a network of sustainable trails for walkers and bike riders which would cater for all levels of ability, along with a pump track and skills area.
“It will also aid in giving visitors to Hahndorf something else to do which will help attract more people and may keep some here longer, hence benefiting the economy.”
North Ward councillor Narelle Hardingham said the petition would play a crucial part in determining the future management of the reserve.
She said the council, following Monday night’s meeting, would call for further community feedback over the next coming months, before seeking to lodge applications for selected State and Federal community grants.
Besides trails, Cr Hardingham said the proposal included further environmental rehabilitation of the area with the help of Trees for Life, educational opportunity for schools via the set up of outdoor classroom, and sign markings to allow visitors to learn more about local Indigenous history.
“I’m really confident (in this initiative) because we not only had the petition but nearly 90 letters from a range of people, predominantly school kids saying they want to activate this space and bike trails was absolutely the number one suggestion,” she said.
“It will also be a fantastic tourism anchor and if people stay an extra day to explore the trails and space then that’s a good thing for Hahndorf.
“I also don’t think it’s going to cost a lot of money, it’s just about activating it and over time will develop organically.
“But I do want to see it happening sooner rather than later and I think it will. It’s such a well thought out, multi-user friendly plan that I can’t see it change much then what’s being put forward in the deputation.”
A period of consultation will be conducted between July 20 and August 21, with a Consultation Open Day to be held on Saturday August 1 at the Yantaringa Reserve Lookout.