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.
All councils benefit from working together
When local governments in South Australia come together to solve problems, tackle challenges and collaborate, great things happen. Communities benefit, issues get resolved and councils save money. It all starts by having a strong and united voice.
As the voice of local government in South Australia, the LGA SA’s strategic plan has been broken down to three focus areas:
Advocate: Achieve greater influence for local government in matters affecting councils and communities.
Assist: Working with member councils to build capacity and increase sustainability. An integrated and coordinated local government.
Advance: Facilitate continuous improvement in councils and the LGA.
Not all of these activities result in an identifiable saving or cost offset to councils, but many do. The LGA has contracted an independent consultant, UHY Haynes Norton, to calculate the value of services to councils where possible, and also identify non-cash benefits. This report is reviewed every year to ensure that the LGA continues to deliver value to its members.
The latest report confirms that the LGA provided an estimated benefit to members of around $145 million in 2018/19, clearly demonstrating the value local government delivers for communities through working together.