Mount Barker’s big car problem revealed by Census data

It sounds like a city problem but new Census figures reveal it is a country town that’s got more cars on the road than it can cope with. See where your neighbourhood ranks.

Hills leaders and residents say latest Census figures on car ownership back their claims of a dire need for better public transport options, including trains.

Adelaide Hills Council has the highest proportion of households, 31 per cent, with three or more registered vehicles, when compared to all other metropolitan councils plus Mount Barker and Gawler.

The 43 per cent with two cars is also the highest figure for that category.

Mount Barker District Council households are close behind – 25 per cent have three or more registered vehicles and 40.9 per cent have two.

That council’s chief executive Andrew Stuartsaid insufficient access to public transport was a key contributing factor.

“Around 65 per cent of (our) residents commute to Adelaide and the public transport options are not as good as they could be,” he said.

“We have some developed areas that aren’t serviced by a regular bus route because the main road hasn’t been completed yet.”

Mr Stuart said the council had proposed a co-working hub to allow more government employees to work closer to home.

“It would reduce fuel costs and benefit health and welfare, it’s a win- win,” he said.

Tania Lucas, 54, lives in Mount Barker with her partner Mark, 56 and sons Ben, 24, Liam, 22 and Riley, 17.

All five family members have their own car.

Mrs Lucas said that it came down to ease of transport.

“We all have to commute for work and there are some buses but they are very few and far between,” she said.

Mrs Lucas wanted to see more public transport to Mount Barker, specifically a train service.

“It would save on vehicle costs and petrol … it’s getting expensive for the kids, it’s certainly a burden for them,” she said.

One inner metropolitan area is not far behind in rates of car ownership.

The 2021 Census figures show 20.8 per cent of households in the Mitcham Council area, which stretches from the inner southern suburbs into the foothills, have three or more vehicles, while 41.1 per cent have two.

Mitcham Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross said it was important to consider geography and demographics.

“Most of the people living here don’t work here and it can be difficult to travel east or west by public transport,” she said.

“There are also many adult children living at home due to current housing shortages.”

At the other end of the list, nearly a third of Adelaide City Council households do not have a car – by far the highest figure in that category – followed by Norwood, Payneham and St Peters on 10.5 per cent.

Originally published as Mount Barker’s big car problem revealed by Census data