Barossa rugby club seeks extra loan to secure move to Tanunda

The Barossa Rams stand to become one of the powerhouses of South Australian Rugby if its $2.4 million plan for a plush new headquarters at Tanunda is green lit.

An under 16's rugby match at Barossa Rams Rugby Club.

The Barossa Rams face an anxious wait while the state government and The Barossa Council consider funding the rugby club’s potential move to Tanunda.

If approved the club would receive over $2.4 million in state government and council funding to build a new pitch, clubrooms and change rooms on land at the rear of the Rex, Barossa Aquatic Fitness Centre on Magnolia Rd, Tanunda.

The Barossa Council will chip in $1.4 million and is seeking further grant money on behalf of the club from the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (OSSR) of $995 000.

The application is to be submitted on January 27 and the council’s commitment to the project is contingent on the application to the OSSR being successful.

The Barossa Council will also consider a $300,000 loan to the Rams at a meeting to be held on Wednesday night.

Club president Fraser Vivian said the loan would help provide enough change rooms for both a mens and women's teams.

“The move would give us an appropriately-shaped and purpose-built pitch for rugby. We could also co-locate with touch footy competitions in the summer months,” Mr Vivian said.

“The change of location would make us a lot more visible to local schools which would entice kids to consider joining.”

Mr Vivian said the club couldn’t release any potential designs for the Tanunda development but said the designs were heavily influenced by those at the Nuriootpa Football Club and will feature a function room, kitchen and bar.

“We’ve been in negotiation with council about potential moves for at least five years, so to be this close has given us a bit of guarded excitement.”

If successful the relocation of the club to Tanunda would form part of The Barossa Council’s Big Project. - a collection of developments aimed at investment in recreation, culture and social infrastructure over 35 years.

Arni Toufoua and Jervais Lapworth in action for the Rams. Picture Barossa Rams Rugby Club.

Barossa Council Mayor Michael Lange said the potential relocation for the club is part of a long-term strategy.

“The move would be part of the jigsaw puzzle we’ve been working on,” he said.
“Hopefully our applications can be viewed as a priority which will keep the momentum going with some of the (grants) successes we’ve had.”

If applications to the state government are successful, Mr Lange said the Williamstown Football Club would consider moving to the current Rams grounds at Lyndoch.

Williamstown Oval could then become a focal point for eco-tourism.

A decision on the grant is not expected until April.