South Australia’s Mount Barker was recently voted the fifth most desirable town in Australia for sea/hills change by The Australian newspaper. Selection was based on employment rates, housing affordability and demographic information obtained from demographer, Bernard Salt, the National Sea Change taskforce and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The only town in South Australia in the top ten, Mount Barker was voted for its quantifiable benefits and natural attributes. Situated in the Mount Lofty Ranges, 30 minutes out of Adelaide, the District Council of Mount Barker is characterised by picturesque countryside, bustling townships and sleepy hamlets.
It is one of the fastest growing Councils in Australia, offering outstanding lifestyle and business opportunities within a diverse and progressive community.
Some 1,700 towns across Australia were reviewed before the top ten towns were selected in the following order:
1. Byron Bay, New South Wales
2. Gladstone, Queensland
3. Cairns, Queensland
4. Torquay, Victoria
5. Mount Barker, South Australia
6. Low Head, Tasmania
7. Buderim, Queensland
8. Kiama, New South Wales
9. Runaway Bay, Queensland
10. Capel, Western Australia
“We moved here over two years ago,” said Mount Barker resident, Sue Bormann-Ziersch. “We have lived in over 20 different locations both in Australia and overseas and Mount Barker would have to be the best place so far.
“Mount Barker has many things going for it – friendly people, a great range of activities for families, a variety of educational styles and churches, good competitive shopping and plenty of open space for recreation and leisure. We are very happy to be part of this great community!”
Mount Barker Mayor, Councillor Tony Wales, said Council has much to offer in the way of historical architecture, natural environment and the people who make up the community.
“Often we don’t even know what we have in our own backyard,” he said. “Every now and then I am still surprised to hear new stories and I am always learning about our rich history.”
