New GMB Water established
Mount Barker District Council has established GMB Water subsidiary to manage expanding wastewater services.
In a significant step toward enhancing wastewater and recycled water services, Mount Barker District Council has established a new subsidiary, GMB Water, to manage its rapidly expanding operations. This move marked a strategic shift in how the Council delivers high-quality water services to its growing community.
Mount Barker District Council owns and operates the largest wastewater service of its kind managed by any local government in South Australia. To meet the demands of a fast-growing population, the Council committed to a 10-year infrastructure program valued at over $190 million, aimed at expanding and upgrading wastewater and recycled water systems.
Recognising the increasing scale, complexity, and regulatory requirements of its water services, the Council identified the need for specialist expertise beyond the scope of its traditional operations. As a result, it transitioned its wastewater service to a Section 42 Subsidiary—GMB Water—enabling more efficient and expert management while retaining full Council ownership.
The Mount Barker Region Wastewater Utility Charter, which outlines the governance framework for the subsidiary, was gazetted in January 2025. This charter defines the authority delegated to the Board, the process for appointing Board members, and the Board’s reporting obligations to Council.
Transition costs, including Board fees, were incorporated into the Council’s Long Term Financial Plan, ensuring financial sustainability throughout the change.
The establishment of GMB Water allows the Council to secure industry-leading expertise, ensuring that wastewater, recycled water, and bore water services continue to meet the highest standards for the community.
You can find further information about the establishment of the subsidiary on Mount Barker District Council’s website.