Infrastructure a priority for State Government support

Video: ABC News story from 2010 about State Government growth plan for Mount Barker

For Mount Barker, significant investment by the State Government in critical infrastructure and community services is essential to underpin rapid population growth.

Currently at around 40,000 people, the population of the Mount Barker district is estimated to reach 60,000 in around 15 years and ultimately between 75,000 and 80,000.

Transport infrastructure, a new hospital and commitment to addressing the many issues Council faces as a result of the rapid development that has occurred since 1,300 hectares of land in Mount Barker was rezoned in 2010 by the state government.

Council wants action from the State Government on an inadequate road system, including a vital connector road – Heysen Boulevard - which has been under construction in piecemeal fashion since 2014.

The State Government also must commit to a ministerial deed signed in 2012 which identified 38 road-related projects in the area required due to growth.

Only 13 of the 38 projects have been fully or partially completed, despite Mount Barker welcoming around 8000 new residents since 2010.