Have your say on a community land lease proposal
8 Oct 2025Council is seeking feedback on a proposal to lease community land at Stockwell Oval to host a community battery which will support lower energy bills for nominated households.
Under the proposal, a portion of Community Land at Stockwell Oval (in the south-west corner of Lot 156 Duck Ponds Road Stockwell) would be leased for 15 years to the South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining to host a community battery.
The proposed battery is part of the Government of South Australia’s emPowering SA, and one of 18 being planned across SA, as part of a program that supports lower energy bills for nominated households.
The program will ease cost of living pressure by delivering access to cheaper electricity rates, with eligible Housing SA tenants in The Barossa Council to be among the first to be offered the opportunity.
Council’s Director Development and Community Services, Jake McVicar said the proposed battery installation will not impact users of the Stockwell Oval site, nor impact functionality. In addition, full consideration of fire safety requirements will be undertaken and the battery will be appropriately screened to ensure a high-quality aesthetic.
“Similar initiatives and consultations are underway in regional areas across South Australia and the proposal supports Council’s community plan objective for a sustainable Barossa,” he said.
With many households impacted by cost-of-living pressures, the emPowering SA program creates an opportunity for low-income families in homes that cannot support their own solar panels or batteries, to benefit from cheaper electricity rates.
“As well as cheaper electricity for eligible households, if approved the battery will keep more renewable energy in the Barossa and contribute to electricity network stability.”
Under the proposed lease conditions, Council will provide a low value peppercorn lease, waive any land rates payable and continue to maintain the site up to the edge of the fenced boundary.
As part of the consultation process, Council is contacting key users of the Stockwell oval facility to ensure they are aware of the proposal.
Locality plans and an extensive FAQ document about all aspects of the proposal including costs, aesthetics, vegetation and noise levels are available on Council’s website.
Council welcomes feedback from the community with consultation closing Friday, 31 October.
* Image is an artist's impression on the community battery, noting this image does not depict the proposed location at Stockwell Oval.