Partnerships Driving Success in Langhorne Creek
The Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail is picking up speed as this exciting project moves toward delivery, and while much of the business community is already familiar with the project itself, this is a moment to shine the spotlight on how it’s being delivered, and why that matters.
At the heart of the project is the Project Partnership Group (PPG), a community embedded model that has been central to the Trail from the beginning. The PPG brings together the Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Association, the Langhorne Creek Hub, the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, and Alexandrina Council. This collective approach ensures that every stage of the project reflects local aspirations, industry insight, cultural knowledge and shared long‑term vision.
A Shared Model Delivering Results
Council is responsible for delivering the core infrastructure that will bring the trail to life; the paths, access points and physical elements that form the backbone of the experience. Meanwhile, the PPG, working in close collaboration with Council’s Economic Development team, is leading the development of the tourism product itself: the experiences, stories and activations that will turn a physical trail into a visitor destination.
The Project Partnership Group has already proven its unique value. The project secured $7.06 million through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP), the largest rPPP grant in South Australia and the biggest ever awarded in our region. Feedback from the assessment process highlighted the strength of the partnership model as a significant factor in the project's grant winning success. The PPG provided a clear demonstration of unity, shared ownership and genuine community led planning; something that stood out at a national level.
Members of the Project Partnership Group and Alexandrina Council
meeting recently at the Langhorne Creek Hub.
Community at the Centre
From the outset, this has been a project with the community, not just for the community. That principle will continue as the project shifts from planning into delivery. In particular, the activation of the trail – shaping it into a compelling, sustainable tourism destination – will be driven by the PPG and its deep ties across Langhorne Creek.
As PPG Chair Lian Jaensch notes: “This is a fantastic and uniquely collaborative way to lead a project of this scale. The strength of such a partnership ensures that the trail reflects who we are as a community, and that it grows in a way that benefits everyone.”
Looking Ahead
The Langhorne Creek Discovery Trail is a major milestone for the region, not only in terms of investment, but in how it is being delivered. It stands as a model for future community‑led projects, demonstrating what can be achieved when local organisations, industry, First Nations partners and Council work together.
Finally, a big congratulations to everyone who helped bring the project to this point. It has truly been a shared effort, and that shared effort will continue to drive its success.