To achieve this mission the Association has set itself three key initiatives areas:

Working with and for councils, the LGA drives efficiencies, identifies opportunities, and advocates for positive outcomes for councils and the communities they represent. Further information on the Association can be found below.

Membership

Membership of the Association is voluntary and all councils under the Local Government Act are members along with Anangu Pitjantjatjara. Associate members include Nepabunna Aboriginal Community, Gerard Aboriginal Community and the Outback Areas Community Development Trust. The LGA is primarily funded by member subscriptions, and councils receive many direct and indirect benefits as a result of being a member of the Association.

Services

Services provided to member councils by the LGA are determined by members through the LGA Board of Directors and General Meetings. Core activities have always been focused on lobbying State Government on legislative issues and both State and Federal governments in relation to council funding. A wide range of services are offered through external funding, the Local Government Research & Development Scheme or via direct fee for service arrangements to councils.

Decision Making

Each year, under its constitution, the LGA conducts both a Ordinary General Meeting and an Annual General Meeting. The purpose of these meetings is for members to determine the policy direction of the Association. Each member council appoints a delegate to vote at these meetings. Votes are weighted relative to the population size of each council. Further information on these meetings can be found here.  

Once policies have been set by the meeting, the LGA Board of Directors, with the assistance of the LGA Secretariat, guides their implementation.

The policies and principles adopted by the Association are outlined in the LGA's Policy Manual. This manual, along with the Association's Constitution, Strategic Plan, Annual Business Plan and Annual Report are available via this link.