- Media Release
The District Council of Grant is inviting community members to have their say on the proposed changes to Council’s ward structure as part of its legislated Elector Representation Review.
Council supported in-principal at the Special Council Meeting on 3 September 2024, a no ward structure and one Council area model with a Mayor and nine Councillors equally representing the area is now being proposed.
District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said it is a priority that all communities in our district, big and small, are equally represented on Council. In the initial stages of the review, it became evident that the existing wards would not be equitable in regard to representation. Elected Members then spent time to identify amendments which would achieve a more equitable distribution.
“Council have considered many different ward structure options over the last 6 months alongside our current and predicted population, Council area size and elector ratios in each ward,” Mayor Boston said.
“It is important to ensure our structure remains viable into the future and adequate representation is provided to all District Council of Grant residents. We are seeking feedback from all of our communities about what they think of the proposal before a final submission is made to the Electoral Commission of South Australia for their consideration.”
District Council of Grant Chief Executive Officer Darryl Whicker explained the Elector Representation Review process is a requirement under the Local Government Act 1999.
“Every eight years Councils are required to undertake this review to determine if their community would benefit from a change to its Elected Member composition or ward structure,” Mr Whicker said.
“If the one Council area model is supported by our community and approved by both Council and Electoral Commission of South Australia, it would take effect from the November 2026 Council elections,”
“I encourage our community to take the time to review the Elector Representation Review Report and submit feedback on the proposal.”
Interested community members are invited to attend a Drop-In Session to find out more about the proposal and speak with Council representatives. Drop-In Sessions will occur:
- Thursday 10 October 2024
- 5:00pm to 6:00pm at the Mount Gambier Regional Airport, Airport Road, Wandilo
- 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Port MacDonnell Community Complex, 5-7 Charles Street, Port MacDonnell
- Wednesday 16 October 2024
- 5:00pm to 6:00pm via Microsoft Teams – Registrations are essential for this session via the online registration form
Feedback on the proposed no ward structure and Elected Member composition can be submitted in writing until 5:00pm Tuesday 22 October 2024.
More information can also be found online at Your Say DCG: Elector Representation Review.
For media enquiries, please contact Chief Executive Office Darryl Whicker on (08) 8721 0444 or info@dcgrant.sa.gov.au.
