Shopping hours take centre stage

WATTLE Range Council is encouraging residents to get informed ahead of a community poll on the future of Millicent’s Proclaimed Shopping District, commonly known as regulated shop trading hours.

In November next year, coinciding with the general local government election, Wattle Range electors will be asked to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to the proposal to abolish the town’s Proclaimed Shopping District.

A ‘YES’ vote indicates support for the deregulation of Millicent’s shop trading hours, allowing large shops and supermarkets to operate on any day and at any time that aligns with business and customer needs.

A ‘NO’ vote reflects a preference to retain the current regulations, which limit trading hours for larger retail stores – those over 200m², or 400m² in the case of supermarkets – on Sundays and during evening periods.

The poll does not affect smaller retail shops, who are exempt from the regulated shopping hours.

Wattle Range CEO Ben Gower said the poll provides the community with a clear opportunity to determine the future of local retail.

“This is an important decision for Millicent. We want residents to have the facts and understand what deregulation could mean for local businesses and shoppers before casting their vote,” Mr Gower said.

The results of the poll will be presented to Elected Members for consideration. If the community supports deregulation, Council will apply to the Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector to formally abolish Millicent’s Proclaimed Shopping District.

Mr Gower said council has taken steps to ensure information is accessible and impartial.

“We’ve developed a dedicated engagement page with frequently asked questions, background information, and an online forum where community members can share their views in a respectful space,” Mr Gower said.

Millicent is one of only three towns in South Australia with regulated shop trading hours. All other areas operate under unregulated conditions, allowing all shops, regardless of size, to open when it best suits their operations and customers.

Council encourages residents to visit www.engage.wattlerange.sa.gov.au, review the information, and take part in the discussion to make an informed decision in November 2026.