Council is developing a Mount Barker Centre Masterplan (the Masterplan) and we'd love to hear your thoughts.

This is your opportunity to help refine the future of the town centre - no decisions have been made, and your input really matters.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the project manager.

Community engagement is occurring in two stages:
Stage 1 - Listening and ideas (completed) We gathered your views and priorities from 14 July to 18 August 2025 to help develop the draft Masterplan.
Stage 2 - Draft Masterplan feedback (now open) We are now seeking your feedback on the draft Masterplan from 8 April to 20 May 2026. Your input will help refine the detail within the final document.

Council is also seeking community feedback on the preferred location for a future regional skatepark.

What is the draft Masterplan?

The draft Masterplan builds on the 2012 Mount Barker Town Centre Strategy and considers in more detail at how the Mount Barker centre could grow and function in the future. It is a long-term aspirational vision that:

• Shows how the centre could develop as it grows into a regional hub
• Guides how Council land may be used
• Identifies locations for civic and recreational spaces
• Includes a list of actions across key themes for the whole centre

The draft document has been prepared by Stage 1 community feedback, previous Council studies and engagement, and ongoing discussions with community, business and stakeholder groups.

Key areas in the draft Masterplan

Draft precinct plans have been prepared for the Dunn and Bickle land and the Mann Street precinct which help to provide more specific guidance on the use, form and function of these key areas within the centre.

Dunn and Bickle land precinct

Four options have been developed for this area:

• Nature Based
• Culture and Community
• Tourism Focused
• Sport and Recreation

We are asking which components of each option you support and do not support. Your feedback, together with considerations such as alignment with Deed, financial feasibility and strategic direction, will help inform a recommended vision for Council to consider.

Mann Street precinct

Two scenarios have been prepared for this area.

• Option 1 - with performing arts centre
• Option 2 - retaining open space

The main difference is whether a performing arts centre is located at the corner of Adelaide Road and Mann Street, or whether this space remains as ‘open space’ if the facility is achieved elsewhere (Town Hall site or Dunn and Bickle land).

What area does the Masterplan cover?

The study area generally includes the central business district of Mount Barker:

• Dunn and Bickle land (north)
• Railway line (east)
• Hampden Road (south)
• Dumas Street park 'n' ride (west)

What the Masterplan does NOT do

The draft Masterplan is aspirational. This means:

• It does not commit Council to funding or delivering projects yet
• It does not include detailed design and construction

Following endorsement of the final Masterplan, projects will be required to go through a detailed design and budgeting process.

How you can get involved

Stage 2 of the engagement process is open from 8 April to 20 May 2026. We are seeking your feedback on the draft Masterplan to help refine the detail within the final document.

You can have your say by:

• Completing the online form below
• Sending a written submission via email yoursay@mountbarker.sa.gov.au or in person to the Local Government Centre at 6 Dutton Road, Mount Barker or posting to PO Box 54, Mount Barker SA 5251
• Attending a community drop-in session
  1. Thursday 7 May 2026, 5-7pm at the Mount Barker Town Hall (34-38 Gawler Street, Mount Barker)
  2. Saturday 9 May 2026, 1-3pm at the von Doussa Clubhouse (corner Druids Avenue and Cameron Road, Mount Barker)
  3. Tuesday 12 May 2026, 3-5pm in the Council Chambers at the Local Government Centre (6 Dutton Road, Mount Barker)

Regional Skatepark Location

Council’s draft Open Space Strategy and Sport and Recreation Action Plan outlines a vision with Mount Barker identified as the location for a regional skate park.

We want to know which location you think is most suitable for a regional skatepark.

This consultation is about the location only. Detailed design and site planning will happen later, after Council selects a preferred site.

Proposed locations

Two potential sites have been identified:

1. Flaxley Road Reserve (next to Keith Stephenson Park)
2. Summit Precinct

You will also be able to suggest other suitable central sites on Council land for consideration.

Council’s Community Development Officer – Children and Youth will work directly with youth leaders who have recently shared their views with Council.

After consultation closes:

• Feedback will be reviewed and summarised
• A recommended location will be prepared based on community feedback and site suitability (such as access to amenities and public transport)
• Council will then consider and decide on the preferred location

Have your say by completing the online form below.