Mount Barker: State Budget Measures Fall Short

However, the council raises concerns about whether the proposed measures are sufficient to meet the growing demands and long-term needs of the Mount Barker community.

Education Investments: A Step Forward but Not Enough

The Council appreciates the $62.7 million investment for a new preschool and primary school and the $4 million allocated for Mount Barker High School upgrades. While these are positive steps, they fall short of addressing the full scope of the educational needs in a rapidly growing community. Mount Barker Council is the fastest growing local government area in South Australia and the eighth fastest in the country. It is forecast that for the next 22 years (2024 - 2046) Mount Barker will welcome a new classroom of school-aged children every two months (or a total of 3,316 school aged children).

New School Capacity: The new preschool and primary school are expected to provide an additional 100 preschool places and 350 primary school places. With operations not commencing until 2028, there is a risk that these places will not suffice given the projected population growth over the next four years.

High School Upgrades: The $4 million allocated for high-priority facility upgrades at Mount Barker High School is welcomed, yet it is unclear if this funding will be adequate to fully address the infrastructure and capacity challenges faced by the school.

Council had advocated for a new Birth to Year 12 public school in Mount Barker, with an estimated budget of $120 million. In January 2023, Education Minister Blair Boyer announced plans to build two new Birth to Year 12 schools, including one in Mount Barker. The proposed new school in Mount Barker was intended to accommodate approximately 1500 students up to year 12.

However, the 2024-25 budget only includes the announcement of a new primary school and $4 million for improvements to the existing Mount Barker High School.

Mount Barker Mayor David Leach said: “While we welcome the investment in new and existing educational facilities, the projected capacity may not be sufficient to accommodate the expected influx of families moving to Mount Barker. We urge the government to consider additional measures to ensure all local children have access to quality education.”

As part of a commitment to enhance vocational education and training across the state, TAFE SA has been allocated $275.6 million in the State budget. We look forward to a portion of that funding going to Mount Barker TAFE to provide increased skills training for our region.

Infrastructure Improvements: Missing Long-Term Vision

The council acknowledges the $150 million investment over four years to upgrade interchanges with the South Eastern Freeway and the $200 million allocated for the managed motorway project between the Tollgate and Crafers. These projects will provide significant benefits to the residents of Mount Barker and, as a centre for connectivity and public transport, to the broader region, including Strathalbyn and Woodside. However, concerns remain about the long-term infrastructure needs:

Traffic and Congestion: While these upgrades are critical for improving safety and traffic flow, there is a need for a comprehensive long-term infrastructure strategy that anticipates future growth and development in Mount Barker and the Hills.

The council is still to hear back regarding the State Government’s review to assess the feasibility for an earlier completion for remaining works on Heysen Boulevard announced at the Country Cabinet in Mount Barker in 2023.

The completion of infrastructure, particularly the Heysen Boulevard connector road, is crucial to support the community's needs and ensure safe and convenient movement within the area.

Public Transport Expansion: The $10 million for planning outer metropolitan and regional passenger rail services is a positive start, but Council calls for a clearer commitment and timeline for actual implementation to ensure improved connectivity and support sustainable growth in the Adelaide Hills.

Public transport infrastructure and solutions including a Park n Ride at Verdun, making the Keoride On Demand bus service permanent, and other transport issues associated with the region, and identified in the Department for Infrastructure and Transport’s Mount Barker/Adelaide Hills Transport Study, commenced in September 2022, still need to be addressed.

Environmental Initiatives: Welcomed but Requires Broader Focus

The $15.4 million allocation for the Brukunga Mine Acid Drainage Treatment Plant, located 4km north of Nairne, is a necessary measure to protect the environment. However, the Council advocates for a broader environmental strategy:

Sustainable Development:

The Council urges the government to integrate sustainability into all development projects and consider additional investments in renewable energy, green spaces, and water management systems to support Mount Barker’s growth in an environmentally responsible manner. There is an urgent need for greater investment in critical wastewater infrastructure.

Council Calls for Comprehensive Planning

The Mount Barker District Council calls on the State Government to take a more holistic and proactive approach to planning and funding for the region:

Holistic Education Strategy: Develop a long-term plan for educational infrastructure that goes beyond immediate needs and ensures all children in Mount Barker have access to quality education in well-equipped facilities. The population in the Mount Barker Growth area is set to triple in the next 22 years (2024 - 2046), with the dominant age group being parents of school-aged children.

Integrated Infrastructure Plan: Formulate a comprehensive infrastructure strategy that addresses both current and future needs, ensuring sustainable and efficient transportation and public services for the growing population.

Mayor Leach said the Council continues to being committed to working collaboratively with the state and federal governments to ensure the needs of Mount Barker’s residents are met and the region continues to thrive.