Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has first-hand knowledge of the Wattle Range Council area through an official visit almost 15 years ago.

Former Mayor Mark Braes has recently recalled a little-known fact about his whistlestop visit to Penola and Coonawarra.

Mr Braes said back in January 2008 Mr Albanese was a newly-minted Regional Development and Transport and Infrastructure Minister in the first ministry of Labor PM Kevin Rudd.

“The Transport Minister in the State Labor Government at the time was Pat Conlon and they both attended the annual Coonawarra Vignerons Cup race meeting at the Penola racecourse,” Mr Braes said.

“Also present was TV producer Neil Balnaves who was the brother of Coonawarra winemaker Doug Balnaves.

“He used his helicopter to travel to the race meeting.

“At the time, Wattle Range Council was looking for federal and state funds to build the bypass.

“With the cooperation of Neil Balnaves, we used his helicopter to fly along the proposed route of the bypass.

“I was aboard with Mr Conlon and Mr Albanese.”