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The latest Wattle Range Council NEWS delivered straight to your INBOX
Key outcomes from August's council meeting
Catch up on the outcomes from the latest Meeting of Council including major projects updates, community deputations and important decisions that affect you.
Do you know a senior who makes a real difference in our community?
Nominations are now open for Wattle Range Council's 2026 Senior of the Year Award, recognising residents aged 60 and over who have made an outstanding contribution through community service, leadership, volunteering or personal achievement.
Last year's recipient, Colleen Hammat, was recognised for her decades of service to the Millicent community and her commitment to preserving local history.
Nominations close 25 September 2026, with the award to be presented during Seniors Week in October.
Southern Ports Highway Works Resume
Works on the Southern Ports Highway between the Southend and Robe turn-offs have recommenced.
From September, the detour will once again be in place via Hatherleigh, and the highway will be closed to the public from 7am–5pm, Monday to Friday during construction when crews are working. Outside these hours, including weekends and public holidays, the road will remain open, speed restrictions and occasional delays will apply.
More than 10 km of road has already been upgraded from the Beachport Outlet, with the full project expected to be completed before Christmas, weather permitting.
Community Grant Applications CLOSING SOON
Wattle Range Council is inviting community groups, sporting clubs and volunteer organisations to apply for funding through the 2026/27 Community Grant Programs.
Funding is available through:
- Community Infrastructure Grants
- Community Financial Assistance Grants
- Sport & Recreation Financial Assistance Grants
Grants can support projects, equipment purchases and facility improvements that strengthen local communities and encourage participation.
Employment Opportunities
Wattle Range Council is seeking suitably qualified applicants to join its team in the following positions:
- Construction Operator
- Casual Parks and Gardens Operators
- Casual Construction Operators
BBQ and chat with Council — Kalangadoo
Come Along, Chat with Council and Elected Members, and enjoy a FREE BBQ.
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Kalangadoo War Memorial Park & Community Sports Club
Free BBQ from 6pm
NO RSVP required - just come along, enjoy a sausage sizzle and chat with Council's Staff and Elected Members on matters that affect you. Help shape the future of your community.
EV Charging Coming Soon to Millicent
Two new EV fast charging stations are being installed at the Wattle Range Council Service Centre car park on North Terrace, Millicent.
The new chargers are expected to be available for community use from mid-September 2026 and are compatible with OCPP and Type 2 (CCS2) electric vehicles.
- Charging up to 60kW
- Council Service Centre Car Park, North Terrace, Millicent
- Access via the Chargefox App.
These new chargers will help support residents and visitors travelling through our region while encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles across Wattle Range.
Simply download the Chargefox App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and you'll be ready to charge when the stations go live.
𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 & 𝗕𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘀
Keep an eye on your letterbox!
Wattle Range ratepayers are reminded that 2025/26 Waste Disposal Vouchers remain valid until 31 August 2026, with 2026/27 vouchers included with rates notices currently being distributed.
Residents should also keep an eye on their letterboxes for the 2026/27 kerbside collection calendar.
Need an extra bin collection calendar? Pick one up from Council’s Service Centre or Beachport and Penola Visitor Information Centres.
What our construction, maintenance and parks and gardens teams are up to this month.
From pothole repairs and road grading to playground upgrades and community planting projects, Council's Construction, Maintenance and Parks and Gardens teams have been busy delivering works across the district.
Recent and ongoing works include:
- Road and pothole repairs following recent rainfall
- Road grading across rural areas
- New playground and park improvements
- Footpath, kerbing and seawall maintenance projects
To view the full list of current works and projects underway in your area, visit our website.
By-laws adopted by Council
At the August Ordinary Meeting of Council, the following by-laws were adopted following community consultation:
By-law No.1 – Permits and Penalties
By-law No.2 – Movable Signs
By-law No.3 – Roads
By-law No.4 – Local Government Land By-Law
By-law No.5 – Dogs
By-law No. 6 – Cats
By-law No.7 – Domestic Livestock Management.
The five updated by-laws will come into effect in December 2026. The new Cat By-Law and Domestic Livestock Management By-Law will have a staged introduction with laws coming into effect from 1 July 2027.
Beachport Coastal Adaptation Strategy Adopted
Following several years of research, modelling and consultation with key stakeholders and the community, the Beachport Coastal Adaptation Strategy was adopted at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday, 11 August.
The Beachport Coastal Adaptation Strategy has been developed to help identify, understand and plan for future coastal hazards and risks affecting the township of Beachport. The draft Strategy provides a long‑term framework to guide Council decision making and future planning for the Beachport coastline, supporting a proactive and informed approach to coastal adaptation.
Dog and Cat Registration Renewals
Annual dog and cat registration renewal notices have been issued and are due by 31 August. You’ll receive your renewal notice by SMS, email or post.
Good news – Dogs and Cats Online has notified Council that its website is now back up and running after recent service interruptions.
If you have not received your renewal notice, please jump online to check your details and renew your registration at www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au or contact Council for assistance.
If your pet has been microchipped, desexed, or has sadly passed away in the past 12 months, please make sure your details are updated.
Council's Intention to Issue Permits to Conduct Business on a Public Road Open for Feedback
Wattle Range Council invites community feedback on its intention to issue permits to conduct a business on a public road.
Council has an extensive network of road reserves that are yet to be made and permits may be granted for the use of these unmade roads for eligible business purposes such as grazing stock and hay cutting.
Under the Local Government Act 1999, Council must consult the community before issuing or renewing a permit that lasts longer than 48 hours, or where access to a road is impeded through fencing, enclosure or partitioning. This gives the community an opportunity to review the proposal and provide feedback before a decision is made.
For further information including use of the proposed land and periods of proposed permits, visit
www.engage.wattlerange.sa.gov.au
Be Part of Wattle Range's Celebration of Art
Entries are now open for the 2026 Wattle Range Art Exhibition. Attracting artists from across South Australia and beyond, the exhibition showcases contemporary art and offers more than $12,000 in prizes, cementing its place as a regional arts highlight.
Entries close on 14 November, with artworks to be delivered by 21 November. The exhibition will officially open on 27 November.
This year, artists can also submit their entry forms online, making the entry process easier than ever.
Showcase Wattle Range through the lens
Entries are now open for the 2026 Wattle Range Council Photographic Competition, celebrating our region through People, Places, Product and Performance.
There are great prizes for both amateur and professional photographers across a number of categories, plus an Overall Winner and the Mayor's Choice Award.
Join Council's Audit & Risk Committee
Wattle Range Council is seeking expressions of interest from a suitably qualified and experienced person to join its Audit & Risk Committee as an Independent Member.
Council is looking for a candidate who has financial, governance and or risk management experience relevant to the functions of an Audit & Risk Committee and preferably has knowledge of the requirements of the Local Government legislation, risk management, governance, financial management and accounting standards.
Expressions sought for licence over Millicent Aerodrome Land
Wattle Range Council invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a licence agreement over portions of land comprising the Millicent Aerodrome, located at:
Whole of Council Owned Land - Allotment 51, Allotment 53, Allotment 54, Hundred of Muirhead
Portions of Council Land - Allotment 52 and Section 1046, Hundred of Muirhead
Portions of Crown Land - Section 503, Hundred of Muirhead.
Beachport dredging to begin
Dredging works at the Beachport Boat Ramp are expected to start from Monday, 31 August 2026.
Our contractor will move more than 6,000 cubic metres of sand over approximately three weeks, subject to weather and tide conditions.
The dredging aims to restore clear access for small boats and maintain ramp usability through to after Easter 2027.
Beachport Pontoon repairs
Remediation works on the Beachport Boat Ramp pontoons are expected to start in late August, with specialist contractors from Adelaide on site for two days to complete the work.
As part of the repairs, Council will adjust the first pontoon finger to align with the height of fingers two and three, improving consistency and accessibility.
There may be a few hours when access to the pontoons is restricted. Council will work closely with contractors to minimise any disruption to fishers and boat ramp users during the works. Once dates and times are confirmed, further information will be provided to the community.
For the latest updates, download the Antenno app
Planning and development drop-in sessions in Beachport and Penola
Have a planning question? Come and see our Development Team in Penola or Beachport for a face‑to‑face chat. No bookings needed!
Beachport Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday, 26 August from 9am to 12 noon.
Penola Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday, 9 September from 9am to 12 noon
What's on at the Millicent Library and Gallery
From the next exhibition, regular programs and events to new books on the shelf, there is always something on at the Millicent Library and Gallery.
What's on in Wattle Range
What’s On in Wattle Range is a monthly update that highlights and celebrates community events across Wattle Range.
You can sign up to receive the update direct to your inbox.
Wood collection permits for fallen timber on roadsides
Council has begun to issue permits to collect fallen timber from certain roadsides within the Council area. There are a number of roadsides that collection is not permitted, a list of these roads is available on Council’s website.
Permits can be obtained from Council offices upon payment of a fee and are available only to residents of the Council area to collect wood for personal household use. Penalties also apply to persons caught collecting wood without a permit.
Winter rain has brought plenty of potholes and we'd like your help.
With almost 2,500km of roads to maintain across Wattle Range, including nearly 2,000km of unsealed roads, potholes are a high priority for our crews. Your reports help us identify problem areas and schedule repairs sooner. If you spot a pothole, please report it via:
- Antenno App - https://bit.ly/WRC-antenno
- phone: 8733 0900
- email: council@wattlerange.sa.gov.au
The Antenno App makes reporting easy. Simply submit a photo and location, and the information is sent directly to us so it can be logged and scheduled for action. Download it now for free from the App Store or Google Play.
Please note: Arterial roads (main roads between townships) are maintained by the State Government and can be reported directly to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport on 1300 872 677.
Stay informed and report local issues instantly with the free Antenno app
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