A STATE politician has thrown his support behind a tourist train operation to the Barossa during a speech in parliament.

A fortnight ago, SA-BEST legislative council member Frank Pangallo backed Barossa Chateau Tanunda owner John Geber’s push for a tourist train to travel along the Gawler line and out to the world-famous wine region.

He had plans to privately operate a “wine train” service which would stop at the chateau, which was also slated for a major upgrade.

Mr Geber recently lost a Supreme Court challenge against the State Government to halt works on the Kroemer’s Crossing roundabout, which saw part of the Barossa line ripped up.

During his speech, Mr Pangallo said both the Labor and Liberal parties had an “aversion to rail”.

“The transport minister (Stephan Knoll) does not believe there is a place for a tourist wine train into his own electorate, which contains the world-famous Barossa Valley,” he said.

“Passionate Barossa tourism business operator John Geber reminds me of that famous storybook The Little Engine That Could, with its theme of optimism and hard work.”

Last year, Mr Knoll held a public expression of interest process for use of the unused portion of rail line, but decided to not pursue any of the applications, including Mr Geber’s, further.

Mr Geber’s plan was backed by Canadian businessman David Gilmour, the founder of bottled water company Fiji Water.

“They (Mr Geber and Mr Gilmour) are also prepared to invest in a much needed five-star hotel in Tanunda,” Mr Pangallo said.

“It is an incredible opportunity for tourism investment, which is being shunned by the minister and his government, particularly at a time when our tourism industry is on its knees and crying out for visionary projects like this one which could mirror the extremely popular rail journey through California's Napa Valley region.”

Mr Pangallo added he planned to meet with Mr Geber as he thought his proposal had “so much merit and potential”.