Renmark Paringa Council Meeting Update - October
October Council Meeting Wrap Up
Renmark Paringa Council held its October Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 27 October, with decisions covering community celebrations, governance and land management.
Paringa Bridge turns 100!
A Riverland icon is reaching a major milestone, and the community is invited to be part of the celebrations!
On Sunday 31 January 2027, the Paringa Bridge will mark 100 years since it officially opened in 1927 as a combined road and rail crossing.
For a century, the bridge has played an important role in connecting Renmark, Paringa and the wider Riverland, supporting local communities, agriculture, transport and trade. As South Australia's only lifting-span bridge of its kind, it remains an important transport link and a significant part of our region's history.
While the Paringa Bridge is owned and maintained by the State Government through the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), Renmark Paringa Council is supporting the community in celebrating this important milestone.
Council has endorsed funding of up to $8,900 to support the community-led centenary celebrations, which will be hosted by the Renmark Paringa Community Museum, with support from Council, DIT, the Renmark Historical Society and other community partners.
The celebrations will provide an opportunity to reflect on the bridge's remarkable history, recognise its contribution to our region and celebrate a landmark that continues to connect our communities today.
As part of the celebrations, the Renmark Historical Society will receive $750 to develop historical displays featuring material from businesses operating in Renmark and Paringa in 1927.
The displays will bring a piece of our region's past into the main streets of both townships.
Save the date for Sunday 31 January 2027! More details about the centenary celebrations will be announced in the coming months, so stay tuned.
Visit https://www.renmarkparinga.sa.gov.au/community/community-celebrations/paringa-bridge-centenary for more information.
Christmas and New Year operating hours
Council approved the Christmas and New Year closure arrangements for Council facilities.
The Renmark Paringa Community and Civic Centre and Paringa Depot will close from 3pm Thursday 24 December 2026 and reopen at 9am Monday 4 January 2027.
The Renmark Paringa Public Library will reopen at 9.30am on Tuesday 5 January 2027.
The Visitor Information Centre will close from 3pm Thursday 24 December and reopen at 10am Monday 28 December, operating reduced hours until Thursday 31 December.
It will close for the New Year's Day public holiday on Friday 1 January and resume normal operating hours on Saturday 2 January 2027.
Audit and Risk Committee appointments
Council appointed Tim Muhlhausler as Independent Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee, with Pamela Lee and Peter Tsokas appointed as Independent Members. All appointments are for four-year terms.
Council also acknowledged and thanked outgoing members Brian Clancey and Dr Felicity-Ann Lewis for their valuable contributions to the committee over the past three years.
Local government representation
Council endorsed Mayor Moira Jenkins of the City of Victor Harbor as its preferred candidate for the Local Government Association President election for the 2026–2028 term.
Council also nominated the current members, Grant Piggott of the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters and Michael Sedgman of the City of Adelaide, for the vacant Local Government Finance Authority Board positions.
Pike Conservation Park road closures
Elected Members sought further information about public access to the regulator before proceeding with a proposal to close three road reserves within Pike Conservation Park.
The proposal would see the road reserves vested in the Crown to support consistent management of the conservation park.
The matter was laid on the table while staff seek clarification.
Elected Member allowances
Elected Members received an information report on the South Australian Remuneration Tribunal’s 2026 determination of allowances for local government Elected Members.
Elected Member allowances are set by the independent South Australian Remuneration Tribunal, not by individual councils.
The Tribunal reviews and determines the allowances payable to Elected Members under the Local Government Act 1999.
As part of its 2026 determination, the Tribunal allocated Renmark Paringa Council to Group D, reflecting the region’s population growth. Councils are allocated to groups to determine the applicable allowance levels.
The new determination will take effect at the conclusion of the deferred local government elections scheduled for April 2027, replacing the previous determination.
Other Council decisions
Elected Members endorsed the Grants, Sponsorship and Awards Committee minutes and Riverland Regional Assessment Panel minutes.
Two Local Government Land Management Agreement waivers for Meander Avenue were also carried as recommended.