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The latest Wattle Range Council NEWS delivered straight to your INBOX
Key outcomes from May's council meeting
Catch up on the latest outcomes from the latest Meeting of Council including major projects updates, community deputations and important decisions that affect you.
BBQ and chat with Council — Hatherleigh, 10 June 2026
Council is coming to Hatherleigh- Come Along, Chat with Council and Elected Members, and Enjoy a FREE BBQ.
Rescheduled to Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Hatherleigh Sports and Recreation Hall
Free BBQ from 6pm
NO RSVP required- just come along, enjoy a sausage sizzle and chat with Councils Staff and Elected Members on matters that affect you. Help shape the future of your community.
Southern Ports Highway to reopen
Reconstruction works on the Southern Ports Highway will soon pause with the road set to fully reopen to the public from June to August 2026.
Roadworks between the Southend turn‑off and Robe turn‑off will continue throughout May, with the road closed to the public from 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday. A detour via Hatherleigh is in place during these times.
Community mulch days
Wattle Range Council provide a number of free mulch collection days throughout the year to all residents and ratepayers. Held at Penola and Millicent, garden mulch is loaded into trailers at no cost. A Council loader is available onsite to move the mulch material. Upcoming dates;
- Penola Abbey Road Waste Facility, Sunday, 24 May
- Millicent Saleyards, Sunday, 14 June
2026 Wattle Range Youth Advisory Council announced
Welcome to the 2026 Wattle Range Youth Advisory Council (YAC), kicking off the year with fresh energy and a strong focus on building community connections.
Being part of YAC is more than having a voice—it’s an opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and speak up on issues that matter to young people. Members help shape projects and events for young people, by young people, while gaining insight into how local government works.
Along the way, they’ll connect with like‑minded peers and create meaningful change in their community.
Council Elections | November 2026
Wattle Range Council is encouraging all community members to check their enrolment status ahead of the November 2026 Council Elections to ensure they can have their say on the future of the region.
This year's Council election carries added importance for Wattle Range residents. Alongside electing their representatives, voters will also decide whether to abolish Millicent's Proclaimed Shopping District — commonly referred to as deregulating the town's shop trading hours.
Check your enrolment now to make sure your vote counts in November.
Re‑A‑Range Sustainability Festival 2026
The Wattle Range community are invited to rethink, reuse and Re‑A‑Range sustainability with the return of the Re‑A‑Range Sustainability Festival.
This annual event brings together a vibrant mix of workshops, tours, talks, art and hands‑on experiences, including;
- Bike repair & upcycling workshops
- ‘Love of Recycling’ art exhibition & Millicent MET Gala
- Garden visits, local food experiences & recycling tours
- Coastal activities, wellness walks & environmental talks
With many free and low‑cost events, there’s something for all ages, book early for limited sessions.
Have your say on the 2026/27 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget and Long Term Financial Plan
Feedback is invited on the Council's Draft 2026/27 Annual Business Plan and the Draft Long Term Financial Plan.
These documents outline what Council plans to deliver, how it will be funded and how rates are applied across our community. This is your opportunity to have your say on:
- Services, programs and projects for 2026/27
- Council’s 10-year financial outlook
- How rates are structured and applied
Council is inviting community feedback on the Plan, with opportunities to provide input online, in writing or in person. Along with being available online, hard copies are available from any of Council's Offices or the Millicent Library.
Feedback is open until 9am on Monday, 15 June 2026.
Temporary office closure
Council wishes to advise that to facilitate a staff development session, the Millicent Council Service Centre will be temporarily closed to the public for the morning of Tuesday, 26 May between 9.45am and 12.45pm.
The Visitor Information Centres will also be closed for the following times;
Millicent Visitor Information Centre from 9.45 am to 12.45 pm
Penola Visitor Information Centre from 9 am to 1.30 pm
Beachport Visitor Information Centre from 9 am to 1.30 pm.
In case of an emergency or urgent customer enquiry please contact 8733 0900.
New members sought for Limestone Coast Southern Regional Assessment Panel
Expressions of interest are now being sought from members of the public who would like to be considered for appointment as an independent member of the Limestone Coast Southern Regional Assessment Panel. The role of the Panel is to make decisions on a wide range of development applications within the respective council areas.
New seafood labelling laws from 1 July 2026 for hospitality businesses
Hospitality Update - From 1 July 2026, Wattle Range hospitality businesses must clearly state the country of origin of seafood on printed and online menus, menu boards or display signs, stating whether it’s:
- Australian
- Imported
- Or mixed origin
Make sure customers can see this information before they order. Now’s the time to review menus, check suppliers, and update your signage.
Sneak peek. Uncover the story of the Geltwood
This year marks 150 years since the tragic wreck of the Geltwood, a maritime disaster that left a lasting impact on the Limestone Coast and beyond. The community is invited to step back in time and experience this powerful piece of local history through a special documentary premiere at the Millicent Library and Gallery on 12 June at 6.30pm.
The screening by Redman Media will bring the story of the Geltwood to life, honouring those who were lost and exploring the events that unfolded along our coastline in 1876. It also offers a chance to reflect on how this tragedy helped shape Australia’s maritime safety and governance.
Everyone is welcome to attend and explore this fascinating piece of the region’s history.
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.
In November 2026, Wattle Range Council electors will vote on whether to abolish Millicent’s Proclaimed Shopping District — also known as deregulating shop trading hours.
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!
Penola Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday 10 June from 9am to 12 noon.
Beachport Visitor Information Centre on Wednesday, 20 June from 9 am to 12 noon.
What's on at the Millicent Library and Gallery
From the Back in Black exhibition, Planning for the Geltwood commemorations and new books to 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.
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