Tatiara District Council is located in the northern section of the Limestone Coast area of South Australia. The Tatiara region includes the townships of Bordertown, Keith, Mundulla, Padthaway and Wolseley and the smaller communities of Willalooka and Western Flat. It is one of the largest Local Government areas in South Australia with an area of 6,500 square kilometres and a population of approximately 7,000 people.
Tatiara means ‘the good country’ and the district is fortunate to have an abundance of good underground water, a very low unemployment rate, excellent facilities and a country lifestyle. Ideally located, Tatiara is two and a half hours from Adelaide and four and a half hours from Melbourne.
The district’s economy is firmly based on the agricultural and pastoral industries – chiefly the production of grains, such as barley, oats and wheat, and stock such as sheep, cattle and pigs. In some areas there is extensive irrigation, which has facilitated the growth of small seeds, flowers, vegetables, grapes and olives.
Tatiara Meat Company, the largest exporter of lambs in Australia, is located just out of Bordertown and processes up to 8,000 sheep per day.
Tatiara’s first Council meeting was held in July 1876, with the first Clerk/Overseer paid 70 pounds per annum. Today, Council has ten Councillors, 50 staff members and rate revenue of $5.8 million. Council also receives a $1.25 million General Purpose Grant from the Commonwealth Government.
