The Southern Midlands Council was created on the 2nd April 1993 through the merging of the Municipalities of Oatlands, Green Ponds and the Northern wards of the Municipalities of Brighton and Richmond. The area of the Municipality is 2561 square kilometres.
The municipality has a population of approximately 5800 persons scattered throughout the district. It traditionally has a rural based economy growing some of the world's best superfine wool. Tourism is now rising in importance.
Towns and localities include Mangalore, Bagdad, Broadmarsh, Elderslie, Dysart, Kempton, Melton Mowbray, Oatlands, Tunbridge, Tunnack, Parattah, Woodsdale, Levendale, Runnymede, Colebrook, Campania and Rekuna. The Midland Highway (Heritage Highway) and the north-south rail route bisect the municipality.
Many examples of 19th century architecture can be found in the area's villages and rural districts, including convict-built grand Georgian rural homesteads and small workers' cottages. The region was the first broadly settled area outside Hobart. Many of the earliest homesteads in the area exhibit fort-like features, which initially were a design response to the so-called "Black War" between Aboriginals and early settlers in the 1820s, and to the continuing high prevalence of bushrangers in subsequent eras.
Many architectural gems can be found by exploring the municipality's back roads. Heritage landscapes abound, with many views largely as they were 150 years ago.
Tourist information for the entire Heritage Highway region can be found at the Central Tasmanian Tourist Centre in High Street, Oatlands, ph (03) 6254 1212, or for information relating only to Kempton, inquiries can be made at Council's Kempton offices, (near the sandstone clock tower), ph (03) 6259 3011.
Council's main office is located at 71 High Street, Oatlands, ph (03) 62545 000
Our Vision
A safe and secure future, and a quality and pace of life for our residence and future generations consistent with country living and our unique cultural heritage.
A community spirit based on friendliness, co-operation and self-help.
An environment, which encourages local creativity, enterprise and innovation.
A diversified local economy creating employment opportunities through sustainable agriculture, heritage tourism, forestry and viable historic towns/service centres.
Development based on the proper management of local resources and the physical environment.
A range and standard of services within the Southern Midlands Council, which meet local, needs and are affordable and efficient.
Our Mission
The Mission for the corporation of Council identifies the role and purpose of the Council. Councillors and senior staff have developed the mission.
The Council in partnership with the community will: -
Council has developed a Customer Service Charter which outlines Council's commitment to providing the best possible service to it's ratepayers and residents.
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