Media Release - Unlocking Opportunity: Surplus Council Land Goes to Auction

Published 31st August 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

Unlocking Opportunity: Surplus Council Land Goes to Auction

The Flinders Ranges Council will hold a public auction to dispose of surplus Council-owned land across Quorn, Hawker and Cradock.

Following a community land revocation process, Council made the decision to dispose of land that is no longer required for community purposes. The sale will provide opportunities for new owners to invest in and develop properties across the region, while reducing the ongoing cost to Council of maintaining surplus land and buildings.

The public auction will be held at 1.00pm on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, at the Quorn Town Hall.

No offers can be made prior to the auction, and all properties will be subject to reserve prices that must be met as part of the sale process.

Most of the properties being offered are vacant land, with a small number of buildings in Hawker also available for purchase. These include the former CWA Hall and the building formerly used as the kindergarten and History Hub.

Mayor Ken Anderson said disposing of surplus Council land was an important step in ensuring these properties could contribute positively to the region's future. “Council has a responsibility to make sure its assets are being used effectively and delivering value to our community. Where land or buildings are no longer required for Council purposes, selling them can provide an opportunity for someone else to invest, develop and breathe new life into these properties. We want to see positive development happening across the Flinders Ranges. Making surplus land available to the market can help create new opportunities for residents, businesses and investors, while also reducing the ongoing maintenance costs for Council.”

Information about the properties, including opportunities to inspect them, will be released ahead of the auction. Community members and prospective purchasers are encouraged to keep an eye on Council's communication channels for further information.

Planning for Future Housing and Development

The sale of surplus land forms part of Council's broader work to support sustainable growth and development across the region.

Council is also undertaking a rezoning project, which will commence with the release of its Housing and Land Use Plan. The Plan identifies five key projects for Council, including land rezoning.

The rezoning project is intended to increase the amount of land available for residential purposes, helping to create opportunities for additional housing and supporting future population and economic growth across the region.

The process will take time and will include a further review of Council's Community Land Management Plan, with extensive community consultation to be undertaken.

Mayor Anderson said community involvement would be critical as Council works through these significant planning projects. “These are important projects that will shape the future of our towns, so it is essential that our community stays informed and has the opportunity to have its say. We encourage residents to take an interest in the Housing and Land Use Plan, the rezoning project and the review of the Community Land Management Plan. Community feedback will help Council make informed decisions about how we plan for housing, investment and growth into the future.”

Council will continue to provide updates as these projects progress and will ensure opportunities for community consultation are communicated widely.