During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the Schei Committee.

On 1 January 1963, Austad and Kvås were re-incorporated into Lyngdal along with the Gitlevågområdet area of Spangereid.

The last element is the plural form of staðr which means "place" or "abode".

[5] The municipal council (Herredsstyre) of Austad was made up of representatives that were elected to four year terms.

The tables below show the historical composition of the council by political party.