Stirling, South Australia
Encyclopedia : S : ST : STI : Stirling, South Australia
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 Stirling (sometimes called Stirling West, ) is a town in the Adelaide Hills District Council. Its population is about 2500, though the town has largely merged with neighbouring townships such as Crafers and Aldgate.
HistoryFounded in 1854, Stirling grew rapidly as a result of the expansion of apple growing and market gardening to satisfy the demand of the expanding city of Adelaide, whose centre is only 15 kilometres from Stirling. It was also developed as a residence for Englishmen who could not cope with Adelaide's hot summers. Today, farming has declined as more of the region has been urbanised, with many Stirling residents communting to Adelaide daily.Owing to the wet and mild climate, many deciduous trees have been imported from Europe, and these are a major tourist attraction in the autumn. Other tourist sites include the nearby Belair National Park and Cleland Conservation Park. ClimateOwing to its location near Mount Lofty, Stirling is the wettest place in South Australia, receiving an average of 1200 millimetres (47 inches) of rain per year - more than twice the average of Adelaide. Between May and August, the average monthly rainfall is as high as 155 millimetres (over 6 inches), and in June 1916, over 450 millimetres fell. Mean summer temperatures are about 5°C (9°F) lower than in Adelaide, which may explain why Stirling was recommended as a residence for English migrants, whilst winters are distinctly fresh, with average maxima of 11°C (52°F).GovernmentStirling is located in the state electorate of Heysen and in the federal Division of Mayo. The local council is the Adelaide Hills Council (formerly Stirling Council) in the Mt Lofty and Manoah wards.Fire ServiceThe Stirling community is protected from fire, road crash and Hazardous Materials by the Stirling Country Fire Service Volunteers. In 2006, the Adelaide Hills Council stepped up efforts to relocate the station to Crafers, against the wants of the volunteers. The council proposed the move in order to sell the land currently inhabited by the CFS station on Avenue road, to fund a new Library.
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