The Southern Highlands has a rich history which began with the traditional owners of the land, the Gundungurra and Dharawal people.
Europeans first explored the area in 1798 and settlement began just before 1820. The region is recognised for its impressive early buildings and streetscapes, with some properties dating back to the early and mid 19th century.
The current Wingecarribee Shire Council came into being on the 1st of January 1981 following the amalgamation of Mittagong Shire Council, Bowral Municipal Council and the former Wingecarribee Shire Council.
The name Wingecarribee – meaning ‘a flight of birds’, or ‘waters to rest beside’ – was retained because the Wingecarribee River was the significant geographical feature common to all three local government areas.
Today, Wingecarribee Shire Council maintains a stable workforce of around 360 employees. Council has a broad range of infrastructure assets to service the local community, as well as various community and environmental services, such as health and wellbeing, tourism, planning and building, parks, gardens and more.
There are more than 1100 kilometres of road, 650 kilometres of water main pipes and 520 kilometres of sewer main pipes in the area. Council also operates three water treatment plants, 29 reservoirs, 15 pump stations and six sewage treatment plants.
In addition, Council manages 3,257 hectares of natural bushland reserves, including 46 hectares of Asset Protection Zones and more than 50 kilometres of fire trails. The various towns and villages dotted around the Highlands enjoy the use of a range of community spaces, including 23 sporting fields, 59 playgrounds, 60 parks, 12 community halls and centres and three outdoor pools – with an indoor aquatic centre also due for completion in July 2013.
