Departing Barunga West Council Chief Executive Officer, Maree Wauchope, has concluded her five-year tenure, heralding it a successful period of record capital investment, strengthened governance, and financial sustainability.
Since her appointment in April 2020, Ms Wauchope has overseen the delivery of more than $40 million in public and private infrastructure in what has been the largest investment program in the Council’s history.
The region has been transformed through major projects including the Fisherman Bay Freeholding Project, Port Broughton Civic Square redevelopment, Bute Soldiers’ Memorial Hall restoration, and residential and industrial land developments.
Under her leadership, Barunga West Council has evolved from financial constraint to stability and growth, increasing its asset base from $53 million to $81.17 million and achieving a 40% rise in rate revenue.
As of September, Barunga West has seen an increase of 151 new ratepayers, bringing the total number to 2,868. This marks a 5.56 per cent growth since September 2019, reflecting the appeal of the region and the continued progress made under Council’s leadership.
“In 2020 Council was financially constrained and carrying years of asset backlog. By 2025, it is financially strong, modern, and community-driven in what has become a benchmark for regional council performance,” Ms Wauchope said.
“The organisation is now characterised by stability, capable leadership, and a culture committed to service and outcomes for its community. Barunga West now stands on a foundation of stability and momentum that will continue well into the future. I am immensely proud to leave it in its strongest position in decades.”
During her tenure, Council also unified its tourism identity under the Top of the Yorke brand, established new community facilities such as all-inclusive playgrounds, and led award-winning initiatives including the Bute Silo Art Project and the Port Broughton Civic Square. Port Broughton was named South Australia’s Tiny Tourism Town of the Year in 2023.
Ms Wauchope credited Council’s strong relationship between elected members and administration as key to achieving these outcomes.
“This period has been marked by stability and integrity at both governance and administrative levels,” she said.
“Together we’ve delivered record investment and built a culture of professionalism and accountability that will benefit the community well into the future.”
During her leadership, Barunga West Council secured more than $7.7 million in State and Federal grants, modernised its policies and governance systems, and implemented transparent financial reporting and performance-based management frameworks.
Mayor, Leonie Kerley said Ms Wauchope’s leadership had transformed the Council into one of regional South Australia’s most respected local governments.
“Maree has delivered stability, direction, and a clear sense of purpose for our organisation and community,” Mayor Kerley said.
“Her leadership has positioned Barunga West for continued success and growth.”
On a personal note, Ms Wauchope (pictured, above) took 10 months leave in August last year to undergo preventative treatment for melanoma and returned to work in July after successfully completing her treatment.
At the time, Ms Wauchope said she was very grateful for the support she received. She used her return to work as an opportunity to educate colleagues and the community about the importance of skin cancer checks.
“I’d encourage everyone to get their skin checked regularly by a dermatologist or skin clinic, even if you think you haven’t had much sun exposure,” she said.
“Melanoma is a cunning disease, and early detection really does save lives.”
Ms Wauchope’s tenure formally concluded on 31 October. She commenced a new role as Executive Director of Property Services with the SA Housing Trust today (3 November).
