The Adelaide Hills and Barossa Councils have welcomed the “swift and decisive” action taken by South Australian Minister for Local Government, Joe Szakacs, in rejecting a recommendation for council boundary changes in Adelaide’s north.
The proposed boundary change was submitted by the Town of Gawler seeking to take over parts of its neighbouring councils. The Minister has rejected the recommendation of the Local Government Boundaries Commission, asking the Commission to reconsider community feedback and submissions from affected councils.
“We applaud the Minister for rejecting the proposed Town of Gawler boundary changes,” said Deputy Mayor Nathan Daniell.
“Adelaide Hills Council has consistently expressed concern about recent boundary change proposals setting a precedent for the financial ambitions of metropolitan councils threatening the sustainability of regional councils.
“Adelaide Hills residents in Rostrevor and Woodforde have been subjected to a similar take-over bid by the Campbelltown City Council. This divisive, expensive and unnecessary boundary change proposal has been ongoing for more than five years despite strong opposition from the community and Adelaide Hills Council.”
Chair of the Adelaide Hills Council Boundary Reform Committee, Councillor Mark Osterstock said the Adelaide Hills Council has made comprehensive submissions to the Commission’s Inquiry into Campbelltown’s proposal, identifying 12 key reasons why it should be rejected.
Councillor Osterstock noted that “the Minister’s decision is consistent with the position the Government took concerning the results of the 2022 plebiscite that was undertaken concerning the proposed amalgamation of the Grant Regional Council and the City of Mount Gambier which also failed to receive community support.”
“We will continue to act on behalf of all Adelaide Hills Council residents to ensure their interests and concerns are represented in the ongoing inquiry,” he said.
Barossa Council Mayor, Bim Lange (pictured) said the Minister’s swift decision also recognised the strong case for Concordia to remain part of The Barossa Council.
“We have been strongly advocating that The Barossa Council is best placed to act as custodian of Concordia, ensuring positive outcomes for our community, since 2019, well before the SA Local Government Boundaries Commission completed their inquiry,” Mayor Lange said.
“We believe the State Government’s decision reflects the best interests of the Concordia and Kalbeeba communities, reaffirming their strong identity with The Barossa Council, not Town of Gawler.
“Council is committed to completing the social infrastructure agreement for Concordia, which is nearly finished.”
Barossa Council CEO, Martin McCarthy said Council will continue working in partnership with the State Government and developers to deliver the infrastructure needed to support Concordia’s long-term growth.
“For over a decade, we have demonstrated a co-ordinated and collaborative approach with the State Government and developers to ensure a timely delivery of infrastructure and services, supporting projected residential growth over the next 30 years.”
“We look forward to providing further information about necessary social infrastructure including open space, recreation and sport. We will also continue to advocate and prioritise health, affordable housing outcomes, education and critical road linkages to service the future community,” said Mayor McCarthy.
Further details are available in Council’s full submission here.
