Berri Barmera Council to return home by year’s end

Berri Barmera Council will resume operations from its former premises later this year, with essential remediation works to commence in coming weeks.

Council has engaged local builder Moritz Design and Construct to carry out necessary works to 19 Wilson Street, Berri to enable a return to the building.

Berri Barmera Council CEO Tim Pfeiffer said returning to the building was “the right long-term decision for both Council’s finances and assets”.

“Understanding the problems and then finding a way to return to Wilson Street has been an absolute priority and it’s pleasing to know we’ll be back in our original home once it is safe to do so,” he said.

“The building is nearing 50 years old and has received minimal proactive maintenance, which has caused a range of issues such as internal damage and the existence of various mould types.

“Works are being limited to essential repairs only, allowing Council to safely return to the building and transition out of its rented building on Riverview Drive.

“Reoccupying the original civic centre offers the most cost-effective long-term solution compared with leasing, demolition or new construction.”

External engineering and various mould-type reports into the former principal office, 19 Wilson Street, Berri, were undertaken and identified potential structural concerns leading to Berri Barmera Council’s office relocation to 5 Riverview Drive in early 2023.

However, a comprehensive external engineering report in 2025 gave the council confidence to relocate back to 19 Wilson Street, subject to extensive remediation works to ensure safety and the longevity of the building.

The report found localised structural defects linked to structural loading and minor footing movement.

The investigation also identified isolated drain breaches within the building’s sub-floor regions contributing to isolated soil movement, with those issues now resolved through pipe re-lining.

“19 Wilson Street is a prime example of why asset management is so important and I am pleased that Berri Barmera Council is now finally in a position where its infrastructure Asset Management Plans are up all up to date,” Mr Pfeiffer said.

Council has allocated $1.4 million for the works to 19 Wilson Street and will use existing capital and existing building maintenance budget lines over the next two years – meaning no additional funds above and beyond what Council has already budgeted.

Mr Pfeiffer said Council recognised the seriousness of the issues that led to the relocation.

“We have responded with thorough engineering and health inspections to ensure all risks have been addressed and the building is safe moving forward once remediation has occurred,” he said.

The Berri Town Hall will be temporarily closed for events while works to Berri Barmera Council’s civic centre are underway.