Investing in the Future
Council is proud to report that at the end of March approximately 79% of the capital works program has been delivered based on financial expenditure — a strong indicator of both performance and progress.
Building for Growth and Renewal
This year’s capital works program covers around 140 individual projects, spanning critical upgrades, new community facilities, improved roads, and recreation infrastructure. These projects fall under two key categories:
- Renewal: Replacing existing assets near or at end-of-life, ensuring services are maintained to current standards.
- Capital New: Creating new or significantly upgraded assets that deliver improved or expanded services.
Major Capital Investments
Flagship projects for 2024/25 include:
- Summit Aquatic and Leisure Centre – $32.28 million
- Heysen Boulevard Rail Crossing – $2.1 million
- Town Centre Upgrades – $1.9 million
- Nairne Main Street Renewal – $1.5 million
- Stephen Street, Mount Barker – $1.5 million
- Tourist Park Renewals – $1.4 million
- Road Renewal Program – Approximately $3.5 million
These projects are overseen by internal project managers, responsible for delivering outcomes within scope, budget, and timeframes while managing quality, risk, and stakeholder engagement.
Highlights: Projects Completed
Significant progress was achieved in the third quarter of the financial year, with the successful completion of several infrastructure upgrades:
- Tourist Park cabin replacements
- Woofside Road Dog Park, Nairne
- Linear Trail Path – asphalt resurfacing in Mount Barker
- Kia-Ora Street – resurfaced with new kerbing and footpath
- Hutchinson Street – deep-lift asphalt resurfacing
- Bartley Street retaining wall and fencing works
- Fletcher Road resurfacing following sewer/stormwater works
- Meadows Bowling Club carpark renewal
- Unsealed Roads program improvements
- Hahndorf Oval drainage upgrades
Projects Underway
Construction is ongoing across several major locations, including:
- Multiple road resurfacing projects (Bernhardt Court, Compson Road, Blakiston Road, Mace Road, Joseph Road, and more)
- Nairne Main Street Upgrade
- Summit Aquatic and Leisure Centre – on schedule for August 2025 opening
- Stormwater culvert upgrades around Meadows
- Junction Road Footpath, Littlehampton – 80% complete
- Echunga Main Street – detailed design complete, Stage 1 construction commenced
Projects About to Break Ground
The next phase of construction began in April and includes:
- New footpaths in Bartley Street, Junction Street, and North Road, Nairne
- Stephen Street upgrade in Mount Barker
- Hahndorf Academy staircase replacement
- Mount Barker Bowling Club toilet upgrades
Planning Ahead
To ensure long-term success, Council invests heavily in detailed design, planning, and stakeholder consultation. Projects currently in planning or design include:
- Bollen Road Upgrade – design complete, funding sought
- Springs Road and Bridge – funding secured
- Hartman/Alexandrina Intersection Upgrade
- Echunga Main Street final design
- Mount Barker City Centre project design
- Childs Road Trail, Hahndorf accessible carpark, and more
Projects Deferred or Under Review
Due to external constraints or cost escalations, some projects have been deferred or are undergoing re-scoping:
- Deferred: Additional Tourist Park cabin replacements, Nairne Soldiers Memorial Hall façade repairs
- In Review: Laratinga boardwalk, Bartley Street renewal (ARTC land), Byethorne Park trail, and Adelaide Hills Recreation Centre roof/court repairs
A Solid Foundation for Continued Growth
With nearly 80% of its capital works budget already delivered by March, Council is on track to meet its ambitious infrastructure goals. These projects are laying a solid foundation for a more connected, vibrant, and future-ready community – enhancing the quality of life for residents and supporting the region’s ongoing growth.
Stay tuned as we head toward the final quarter and the highly anticipated opening of the Summit Aquatic and Leisure Centre – a landmark investment in the district’s recreational future.
