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Council has endorsed the draft Recreation and Community Facilities Policy for community consultation, and we want to hear from you.
The purpose of the policy
The draft Recreation and Community Facilities Policy is a new policy for Council. It has been developed following an action identified in the Property Lead Strategy and Action Plan.
In December 2024 Council engaged with current lease holders to help develop the draft policy. Due to unforeseen circumstances, wider community consultation on the draft policy was delayed until now.
The draft policy aims to formalise how Council-managed community buildings and recreation facilities are accessed, managed and governed, ensuring a clear and consistent approach across the district. It also recognises the vital role volunteers and community organisations play in managing and activating these spaces.
Council is also exploring a fair and equitable financial support model to assist Community Stewards, including Recreation Ground and Hall Committees, with managing facilities and maintaining turf. The focus of this consultation is on the policy framework, with financial modelling to be developed following community feedback.
How to have your say
Your feedback will help inform how Council supports community facilities and the volunteers who help bring them to life. Consultation on the draft policy is open from Wednesday 4 March to Friday 17 April 2026.
Posting a submission to PO Box 54, Mount Barker SA 5251 or delivering to the Local Government Centre, 6 Dutton Road, Mount Barker
Completing the online form
Next steps after consultation
Following consultation, changes will be made to the draft policy where appropriate. A summary of the consultation and seeking endorsement of the draft policy will be presented to Council at its meeting in June 2026. Noting that the accompanying financial model remains to be resolved.
In July 2026 engagement will occur with key stakeholders to progress an equitable financial model. It is anticipated that the financial contributions aspect of the policy will seek Council endorsement in September 2026.
The policy will take time to implement, and we are aiming for a Policy ‘go live’ date on 1 July 2027.
Council has endorsed the draft Recreation and Community Facilities Policy for community consultation, and we want to hear from you.
The purpose of the policy
The draft Recreation and Community Facilities Policy is a new policy for Council. It has been developed following an action identified in the Property Lead Strategy and Action Plan.
In December 2024 Council engaged with current lease holders to help develop the draft policy. Due to unforeseen circumstances, wider community consultation on the draft policy was delayed until now.
The draft policy aims to formalise how Council-managed community buildings and recreation facilities are accessed, managed and governed, ensuring a clear and consistent approach across the district. It also recognises the vital role volunteers and community organisations play in managing and activating these spaces.
Council is also exploring a fair and equitable financial support model to assist Community Stewards, including Recreation Ground and Hall Committees, with managing facilities and maintaining turf. The focus of this consultation is on the policy framework, with financial modelling to be developed following community feedback.
How to have your say
Your feedback will help inform how Council supports community facilities and the volunteers who help bring them to life. Consultation on the draft policy is open from Wednesday 4 March to Friday 17 April 2026.
Posting a submission to PO Box 54, Mount Barker SA 5251 or delivering to the Local Government Centre, 6 Dutton Road, Mount Barker
Completing the online form
Next steps after consultation
Following consultation, changes will be made to the draft policy where appropriate. A summary of the consultation and seeking endorsement of the draft policy will be presented to Council at its meeting in June 2026. Noting that the accompanying financial model remains to be resolved.
In July 2026 engagement will occur with key stakeholders to progress an equitable financial model. It is anticipated that the financial contributions aspect of the policy will seek Council endorsement in September 2026.
The policy will take time to implement, and we are aiming for a Policy ‘go live’ date on 1 July 2027.
