Community invited to open day

AFTER much anticipation, the new Wattle Range Council Service Centre is officially open for business and ready to welcome the community for guided tours on Sunday, July 20, from 10am to 2pm.

Completed ahead of schedule and within budget, the purpose-built facility is now the Council’s principal office, following formal nomination at the May Council Meeting.

Council staff began transitioning into the new space in mid-June, and the first Council Meeting was held in the new Council Chamber on July 8.

Wattle Range Council chief executive officer Ben Gower said this building brings all of their teams under one roof so they can serve the community more efficiently and effectively.

“It also reflects our commitment to sustainability, local investment, and long-term planning,” Mr Gower said.

Designed with energy efficiency in mind, the facility features rainwater capture systems and Council are now investigating options for solar panels and an EV charging station—made possible through prudent project management and a budget surplus.

The building incorporates locally sourced materials showcasing the best the region has to offer from local limestone in the curved feature in the Council Chamber pillars and planter boxes.

Local timber and structural beams are prominent in the design and have been sourced from the Tarpeena timber mill.

Council invites residents to take a guided tour of the new building at the Community Open Day on Sunday, July 20.

The Open Day will include guided tours and a complimentary BBQ cooked by the elected members and council staff.

“I welcome the community to come along to our Open Day and explore the new Service Centre,” said Mr Gower.