Adelaide Hills Council News September 2025

This month’s community news, updates, and highlights

Community Grant applications NOW OPEN

Adelaide Hills Council’s annual Community Grants Program supports local non-profit groups such as sporting clubs, halls, and community organisations to deliver projects that benefit the community.

Find out more and apply

News from your place

You're the Voice! Read more about your candidates in the current Supplementary Election

Have a say in the future of your community by voting for the candidates who best represent your priorities. Voting closes September 22.

See the profiles and other information

Join us at the Upper Sturt Community Forum

Shape the way we engage with you. Upper Sturt Hall, 30 September from 6pm. Parking is limited so there will be shuttles from the Upper Sturt Church. Read more about the program for the evening.

Hard rubbish made easy! Just ring or book online.

Did you know? Residents can book one general hard waste collection ($54) and one mattress/ensemble collection ($29) per financial year. Each booking allows up to 2m³ of waste (2m x 1m x 1m).

Book your hard rubbish collection and find out more about what you can and can't leave out for collection

News from the Chamber by Acting Mayor Nathan Daniell

It has been another busy month with several important decisions made by the chamber.

After receiving valuable feedback from our residents, we have decided to go back to the community with revised proposals for two By-Laws, namely the Roads By-Law and the draft Township Bird Management By-Law. This aims to address some of the key concerns raised by residents during our initial consultation. The remaining By-Laws were approved.

In a win for the environment, we supported the revocation of land at Charleston for the purpose of rededication as a Park under the National Parks and Wildlife Act.

Council also committed to undertake stakeholder engagement regarding the future of the Gumeracha Op Shop with a final decision on the future of the service to be made in October.

We requested that the administration provide a report on the frequency and duration of Elected Member’s leave of absences. We recognise the need for Elected Members to take leave for various reasons but also appreciate the valuable contribution made when they are present in the chamber.

Council re-appointed Cr Herrmann and Cr Mudge as the Board Member and Deputy Board member of the GRFMA, noting that Jade Ballantine and Sharon Leith are the staff board member and deputy member respectively

Finally, we expressed concern for our fellow Councils’ who are doing it tough with the algal bloom crisis by signing on as a party signatory to a proposal for Federal Government Action on this devastating issue.

Environment News

Get involved in the FrogWatch SA spring census from 1–8 September,

FrogWatch SA is running its spring census, and you can help collect frog data. Head outside during the census week and record what you hear. Frogs are usually most active in spring, so it’s a great time to listen out for their croaks and calls.

Find out how to participate in the 2025 Frogwatch census

Collecting firewood from Council roads or reserves

Collecting fallen timber or dead trees from roadsides or Council reserves is not permitted and penalties apply. By leaving fallen wood where it lies, you are helping to protect local biodiversity and animals that call the Adelaide Hills home.

Find out more about the impact of removing dead and fallen trees

Farewell, soy sauce fish from September 1.

Plastic soy sauce fish are banned in South Australia to reduce single-use plastics. Along with the fishies, straws and cutlery attached to food and drink packs such as fruit boxes and pre-packaged EPS containers like noodle cups are also banned.

Find out more at Replace the Waste

Aldgate Primary School plants for National Tree Day at Cox Creek, Bridgewater

On Friday 1 August, Aldgate Primary School’s Year 5–6 students rolled up their sleeves for National Tree Day, continuing their long-term commitment to restoring Cox Creek in Bridgewater.