What suburbs will be affected by the City of Port Lincoln council’s proposed boundary changes?

Six suburbs surrounding the Port Lincoln township will be rezoned under the council’s new boundary proposal – the first change to its boundaries in 40 years.

Six suburbs surrounding the Port Lincoln township will be rezoned under the council’s new boundary proposal – the first change to its boundaries in 40 years.

Suburbs including Boston, Tiatukia, North Shields, Point Boston, Duck Ponds and Sleaford could be brought into City of Port Lincoln Council stewardship.

The council said significant interest in residential development is behind the proposed boundary reform – shirtfronting neighbouring District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula (DCLEP), which said it was not consulted.

Mayor Brad Flaherty said it was time to review its boundaries.

Brad Flaherty. Picture: Port Lincoln city council

“Council strongly believes it will enhance the capacity of both councils to deliver results to local communities in a more strategic and effective way,” he said.
“For the City of Port Lincoln, we can focus on the economic development, liveability and opportunities, which residents of greater Port Lincoln expect.
“Further, we believe this change will allow the District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula DCLEP to focus on its strengths, which we believe is delivering results for its rural communities.
“Additionally, it will bring together a local community which is currently being serviced by two separate councils.”
While the proposal is still in early days, opposing council DCLEP are “disappointed” that a number of their localities are in the firing line.

Map of proposed boundary changes.

“The rational for this proposal remains unclear and no indication has been provided as to

the potential impact of rates and services to our community” DCLEP Mayor Jo-Anne Quigley said.
No formal discussion with DCLEP was attempted prior to the boundary reform announcement leaving the district shocked.
“A similar proposal was put forward by some community members in 2014 and this was overwhelmingly rejected by the wider community and would undermine the ability of our Council to continue serving our residents,” Mayor Quigley said.
DCLEP believe disturbance to the current land boundaries have the potential to jeopardise the unique community of the Lower Eyre Peninsula and its sustainability goals.
However, some residents waiting to build in Port Lincoln’s outer suburbs are not opposed to the boundary proposal due to delays from DCLEP.
One local said numerous people are sitting ducks with land but are unable to build while waiting for approval from council to commence construction.

All boundary change requests must go through the necessary procedures under the Local Government Act and overseen by the Local Government Boundaries Commission.
“If the commission sees merit in the proposal, we expect this will be a long-term project,” Cr Flaherty said.