Have your say on local government representation

City of Mount Gambier is seeking community feedback on a Representative Review of Council’s elected body.

The review, which is conducted in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999, is to determine whether the current Council structure and composition is the most appropriate way to represent the community.

“This is probably one of the most important consultations that we undertake in terms of how we represent our community,” City of Mount Gambier Governance and Property Manager Brittany Shelton said.

“This is our community’s opportunity to have their say on what kind of structure Council has in place to represent them and how their priorities are administered by Council.”

A local government consultant reviewed City of Mount Gambier’s existing representation structure and recommended it remain the same for the next eight years, until the next review. The community is invited to provide feedback on the proposed composition and structure of Council.

“Essentially, the community can provide feedback on the composition, including the number and type of councillors representing them and structure, and whether or not we have wards dividing the council into communities of interest.”

The endorsed preferred representation model:

The Principal Member remains as a Mayor elected by the community.

The Council area is not divided into wards (i.e. retain existing ‘no wards’ structure).

Council is comprised of eight area councillors in addition to the Mayor.

“Council strongly feels that the current representation model has worked well for the City of Mount Gambier in the eight years since the previous review and is committed to maintaining a ‘one council’ structure (no wards).”

“Generally, you tend to see ward structures in much larger councils in terms of the land size who have particular communities of interest who are separate and distinct, such as unique townships or suburbs,” Ms Shelton said

It’s important that we have the right representation model in place for our community to ensure that all voices are heard and considered.

– Governance and Property Manager Brittany Shelton

Interested members of the community are invited to make a submission regarding the future representation model of Council at Have Your Say Mount Gambier

Submissions close Wednesday 9 October 2024 at 5:00pm.

Community feedback will be included in a report to Council for consideration and the adopted model will be submitted to the Electoral Commission of SA (ECSA) for approval. The new representation model will come into operation from the next Periodic Election, in November 2026.