CBD Master Plan
Just imagine...
We're entering a new chapter, as the City of Mount Gambier explores the development of a Central Business District (CBD) Master Plan to revitalise and help guide the long term future of the city centre.
Why a CBD Master Plan?
Building on Mount Gambier’s unique natural landscape, rich heritage and role as a regional capital, the Master Plan will identify opportunities to enhance public spaces, improve connections, encourage new housing options, support local businesses and incentivise investment in the CBD.
Council is working with a team of leading experts from across Australia who will be bringing insights and ideas to the conversation.
How our community is shaping this plan:
Over a week in March 2026, we transformed a vacant shopfront at 24 Commercial Street West into a space to have conversations about the CBD – we heard what you love, what’s working well, and where it could do with some support.
We spent the week speaking to traders, business owners, creatives, developers, history-lovers, shoppers, shift workers, Council staff across a range of departments, and community members to gain a deeper understanding of what’s happening in the CBD. Participation included the following:
We heard you want the Master Plan to:
- Support local, authentic vibrancy that invites people to want to linger and return at all times of day, night, and year.
- Reflect local pride through improved maintenance, cleanliness and consistent presentation.
- Use trees, plants and nature to improve weather protection, walkability, ecological value, and local identity.
- Embed stories into everyday places so that culture, heritage and identity are experienced, not just explained.
- Encourage diverse housing and accommodation options that help make the CBD a great place to live and stay
- Prioritise walking and cycling in the CBD to improve safety, comfort, independence and connectivity.
Introducing our Big Ideas!
Alongside our own research and explorations, we’ve come up with some Big Ideas – and we’re coming back to test them with you.
We know these won’t happen overnight, so the final Master Plan will also include some short, medium and longer term actions to help the CBD gradually evolve.
 Commercial Street Public Domain Plan |  Civic Heart Rejuvenation |  Gray Street Upgrade |
What's next?
- Check out the Big Ideas and share your thoughts online via Have Your Say Mount Gambier
- Drop in for a conversation in our space at 24 Commercial Street West from 9am – 8pm, Monday 31 August – Wednesday 2 September
- Join us for a focussed discussion about a big idea that’s important to you – check out the program for all the information.
Consultation runs from Monday 17 August and closes on Sunday 6 September 2026.
We’d love to hear your insights so we can shape the future of this place we know and love.
If you have any further questions about the CBD Master Plan, please contact us on (08) 8721 2555 during office hours or email city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
