Swelling Mount Barker population needs significant investment in infrastructure, services
A new report focusing on the critical infrastructure needs of the swelling population of Mount Barker is prompting pleas for help to the state government.
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Mount Barker is on track to become the state’s second largest city, but the population boom will require significant investment in infrastructure and services from all levels of government.
Between 2021 and 2036, the population for Mount Barker District Council was forecast to increase by 15,990 people, with the number expected to exceed 47,000 by 2036.
The state government’s 2010 rezoning of 1300 hectares forecast an additional 26,000 residents for the town, however, just under 20 per cent of that rezoned land has been developed.
The forecast has now been upgraded to an additional 40,000 people – an increase of over 50 per cent.
Last year, the Mount Barker council recorded its second-biggest growth year on record, hot on the heels from its biggest financial year growth in 2020-21.
Mount Barker Mayor David Leach said the region’s growth had exceeded original forecasts but despite the challenges, council had worked with government to invest in transport, wastewater, and recreation and sport infrastructure.
“The lack of staging to achieve orderly development and failure to set aside land for public purpose has led to challenges in efficiently delivering the required infrastructure,” Mayor Leach said.
At Monday night’s Mount Barker council meeting, elected members voted to endorse a new report, Building South Australia’s Second Largest City – Mount Barker, with the council calling on the state government to make sure the needs of the growing population were met.
The new report highlights the council’s infrastructure and service needs in the areas of transport, health, education, energy, emergency services, sport and community, wastewater and stormwater.
The report states $100 million will be needed for the completion of the remaining 40 per cent of the Heysen Boulevard connector road, while a further $220 million would be required for the new Mount Barker Hospital.
A need for a new town square and significant civic facility in the Mount Barker city centre was also flagged, along with the completion of the freeway interchange at Adelaide Road and additional Park N Ride facilities.
Additional public education and $10 million in additional sports facilities were also highlighted.
A state government spokesman told The Messenger the government was preparing a long-term transport plan to “support population and economic growth and boost liveability in Mount Barker”.
“We must learn from the mistakes of previous administrations that sought to grow Mount Barker without adequate planning,” the spokesman said.
“In addition to infrastructure such as the Mount Barker interchange upgrade, we are currently collating community feedback to help guide a long-term transport plan to inform future investment in the region, supporting population and economic growth and liveability.”
He said the government was honouring its commitment to build a new state-of-the-art Mount Barker hospital with 102 beds – a $220m development at the current hospital site – and was exploring options for new schools.
The government confirmed it would honour the Mount Barker council’s request for a cabinet visit to bring the community and government ministers together at a forum to discuss the city’s need.
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