Podcast

Marc Voortman (Mount Barker District Council): On creating ‘one’ Mount Barker, not old vs. new


After 17 years at Mount Barker District Council, Marc Voortman, the General Manager of Planning and Community, is committed to unifying the town with one vision – not ‘old’ vs. ‘new’ Mount Barker. 

With approximately 1,000 new residents per year and only 20% through Mount Barker’s 30-year planned growth, uniting the communities will become critical to Mount Barker’s culture. 

Marc believes – while growth isn’t inherently bad for the Hills – what’s important is servicing growth with the right infrastructure and community involvement. In this extended episode, the council leader highlights a few of Mount Barker’s success stories, such as transforming the dilapidated Chapman’s Factory into Nairne’s new supermarket. 

He takes listeners behind the scenes of what goes into achieving good development outcomes, especially when there are heritage buildings involved. This is a must-hear for any Hills local, or the many who will call it home in the years to come. 

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