Light Regional Council has today welcomed the announcement by the Hon Joe Szakacs MP, Minister for Local Government, that he will not be supporting the recommendations of the South Australian Local Government Boundaries Commission in relation to the Town of Gawler Boundary Change Proposal.
Minister Szakacs has confirmed that Hewett will remain part of Light Regional Council, rejecting the Commission’s recommendation that it be transferred to the Town of Gawler. The Minister also announced his intention to refer the Inquiry Report back to the Commission with a request to amend the recommendations to reflect that:
- Area 2 - Hewett - is retained in Light Regional Council
- Area 1 - Concordia Growth Area - is retained in The Barossa Council
- Area 3A North - Kalbeeba - is retained in The Barossa Council
Mayor of Light Regional Council, Mr Bill Close, said the announcement reflects the strong connection Hewett residents have with their community and the Council that serves them.
“From the outset, Council has stood firm in its position that the proposal lacked merit and did not serve the broader interests of the region,” Mayor Close said.
“The Minister’s decision recognises the importance of preserving community identity and supports a more strategic focus on regional collaboration rather than division. This outcome is not just a win for Light Regional Council, but for all residents who made their voices heard.”
Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Richard Dodson, also welcomed the Minister’s decision and acknowledged the efforts of the community and staff throughout the process.
“This is a common-sense decision. The Minister has recognised the need to prioritise regional housing, infrastructure planning and service delivery, rather than entertain a divisive and costly boundary realignment,” Mr Dodson said.
“Council has remained committed to providing quality services to our communities without distraction. The proposed changes would have cost our Council around $1.2 million annually and required unnecessary structural changes.”
Mr Dodson also referenced findings from the Commission’s own Investigator, BDO, which did not support the inclusion of Hewett or Gawler Belt into the Town of Gawler, citing lack of evidence for community identification and minimal regional benefit.
The Minister’s decision supports the goals of the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP) and aligns with the region’s long-term priorities to support housing growth, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing while preserving the integrity of local communities.
Mayor Close noted that it is now time for the region’s councils to come together:
“Light already has a strong track record of collaboration with our neighbouring councils, including Gawler, the Barossa, and the Adelaide Plains. Now is the time to regroup and refocus on the real issues—delivering infrastructure, housing, and economic growth that benefits the entire region.”
Light Regional Council looks forward to continuing its work in partnership with neighbouring councils and the State Government to pursue strategic, inclusive, and future-focused regional development.
For further information please contact Council on 08 8525 3200 or light@light.sa.gov.au.