Renmark Paringa Council Meeting Update - September

Renmark Paringa Council held its monthly ordinary meeting on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.

Here’s a look at some of the key decisions from the meeting.

Policy Review Committee recommendations endorsed

Elected Members endorsed recommendations from the Policy Review Committee following its review of a number of Council policies.

The policies included the Information Management Policy, Mobile Food Vending Policy, Food Business Inspection Fees Policy and Tree Management Policy.

Calperum Industrial Estate land to undergo market engagement process

A structured market engagement process with adjoining landowners regarding Council-owned land at the Calperum Industrial Estate was endorsed by Elected Members.

Council has been approached by adjoining landowners interested in potentially acquiring and developing all or part of the land.

The market interest in the land is currently considered limited, in part due to access constraints.

The endorsed process will invite adjoining landowners to provide indicative, non-binding proposals outlining their intended use, preferred land area and configuration, proposed development outcomes and any other relevant conditions.

Council has also approved a preliminary budget of $10,000 for an indicative market evaluation and legal advice, providing independent information to help Council assess any proposals received and inform any future consideration of the land.

Any future decision to dispose of specific land would require separate Council consideration and completion of the required statutory processes.

Caretaker Policy adopted ahead of 2027 Local Government Elections

Council has adopted its reviewed Statutory Caretaker Policy in preparation for the 2027 Local Government Elections.

The policy sets out how Council and staff will operate during the election period, including restrictions on certain Council decisions and safeguards around the use of Council resources for the advantage of particular candidates or groups of candidates.

The caretaker period for the 2027 Local Government Elections will commence at 12pm on Tuesday 9 February 2027 and continue until the declaration of election results.

Long-term lease approved for Renmark Olympic Soccer Club

Elected Members endorsed a new 42-year ground lease with Renmark Olympic Soccer Club Incorporated for a portion of the Steve Poutakidis Sports Ground at the corner of Fifteenth and Paringa Streets, Renmark.

The long-term lease provides the club with greater certainty over its future use of the site and supports its plans to invest in new clubroom facilities.

Council also endorsed an associated Funding Transfer and Variation Agreement, which includes the transfer of ownership of the existing soccer clubhouse building to the Club at no cost.

A $100,000 budget allocation has also been endorsed for the 2026/27 financial year as a contribution toward the club’s new clubrooms project.

Together, the arrangements provide a framework for the club to progress its redevelopment plans and invest in improved facilities at the Steve Poutakidis Sports Ground.

Site endorsed for proposed Greek community monument

A proposed location and concept design for a Greek community monument on the Ral Ral Avenue median strip, adjacent to the intersection with Thurk Street, was endorsed by Elected Members.

The proposed monument will recognise the history and contribution of the Greek community to Renmark and the broader Riverland.

The project was initially presented to Council in December 2025, when in-principal support was provided pending the identification of a suitable location, development approval and agreement around ownership and ongoing maintenance.

The Greek Orthodox Community of Renmark has since worked with Council staff to identify the proposed location and develop updated design and site plans.

Independent review to examine future visitor services

Elected Members endorsed an independent external Visitor Services Review and VIC Co-location Assessment, with an additional $26,500 allocated to undertake the work.

The review delivers on two key initiatives identified in Council’s adopted 2026/27 Annual Business Plan and Budget and will consider how visitor services can best be delivered into the future.

Engaging an independent specialist will provide Council with external expertise, industry benchmarking and an objective assessment of the available options.

This will help ensure any future decisions about visitor servicing are supported by evidence and consider both the service outcomes for visitors and the longer-term financial and operational implications for Council.

The review will examine the current visitor servicing model and explore a range of future options, including face-to-face, digital and industry-based servicing, relationships with the local tourism industry, visitor expectations, accreditation requirements, service costs and long-term sustainability.

As part of this work, the review will also assess the feasibility of delivering some or all visitor servicing functions from the Civic Centre precinct, including the potential financial, operational and asset implications.

Revised Lions Playground design endorsed

A revised concept for the Renmark Lions Playground has been endorsed by Renmark Paringa Council Elected Members, paving the way for the redevelopment to progress to detailed design and construction.

The revised concept retains the existing shade structure within the Lions Playground, while incorporating larger play equipment and improved accessibility across the site.

A report on the playground redevelopment, including the outcomes of community consultation, was presented to Elected Members earlier this year. Following questions about elements of the proposed design, the matter was laid on the table to allow further consideration and discussion.

Staff subsequently investigated options to retain the existing shade structure while still delivering an improved, inclusive and engaging play space.

As the structure limits the type and size of equipment that can be installed directly underneath it, larger play equipment has been positioned outside the structure’s footprint.

This also responds to feedback received through community consultation seeking larger play items and opportunities for older children.

These have been incorporated into the revised concept where possible, with larger equipment included to broaden the range of play experiences available within the playground.

The Renmark Lions Playground is primarily designed to cater for children aged 0–10.

Future upgrades at Darnley Taylor Park have been identified as an opportunity to provide more challenging play elements specifically aimed at older children.

The project will now progress to detailed design, with construction expected to commence in early 2027.

Learn more about the project here: https://engagement.renmarkparinga.sa.gov.au/jarrett-memorial-garden-playground-renewal

Road and Public Place Naming Policy revised

Elected Members adopted a reviewed Road and Public Place Naming Policy.

The policy provides guidance for the naming and renaming of public roads, private roads and public places within the Council area.

The revised policy will provide updated guidance for future road and public place naming decisions across the Renmark Paringa Council area.

Land Management Agreement waiver approved for Meander Avenue property

Council has approved a waiver to a clause within the Jane Eliza Developments Stage 1A Waterway Allotments Land Management Agreement for a Meander Avenue property.

The waiver allows the construction of a proposed replacement alfresco area within 28.1 metres of the waterway boundary, subject to Council approval.

Council's next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 27 October 2026.