Positive boundary outcomes for Barossa
19 Sep 2025The Barossa Council’s long-running advocacy has paid off with The Hon Joe Szakacs, Minister for Local Government requesting the Boundary Reform Commission amend its recommendation to leave the growth area of Concordia in The Barossa Council.
Barossa Mayor Bim Lange said the Minister’s swift decision recognised the strong case for Concordia to remain part of The Barossa Council.
“We have been strongly advocating that The Barossa Council is best placed to act as custodian of Concordia, ensuring positive outcomes for our community, since 2019, well before the SA Local Government Boundaries Commission completed their inquiry,” Mayor Lange said.
“We believe the State Government’s decision reflects the best interests of the Concordia and Kalbeeba communities, reaffirming their strong identity with The Barossa Council, not Town of Gawler.
“Council is committed to completing the social infrastructure agreement for Concordia, which is nearly finished.”
In August 2025, the Boundary Commission's had recommended that the Concordia Growth Area move from The Barossa Council to Town of Gawler, contrary to the findings and recommendations of independent consultants.
Council will continue to support the State Government and the developer with necessary infrastructure needs, to ensure the delivery of a sustainable, well-planned future township.
The Barossa Council CEO Martin McCarthy said Council will continue working in partnership with the State Government and developers to deliver the infrastructure needed to support Concordia’s long-term growth.
“For over a decade, we have demonstrated a co-ordinated and collaborative approach with the State Government and developers to ensure a timely delivery of infrastructure and services, supporting projected residential growth over the next 30 years.
“We look forward to providing further information about necessary social infrastructure including open space, recreation and sport. We will also continue to advocate and prioritise health, affordable housing outcomes, education and critical road linkages to service the future community.”
The next step will be for the Commission to respond to the Minister’s request to revisit their recommendations and resubmit.