14 Steps To Build A Better South Australia: LGA Outlines Key State Budget Asks

LGA President, Mayor Dean Johnson said local and state government already partner on preventative health, circular economy and climate change initiatives, infrastructure, library services and more, yet this collaboration has the potential to be even stronger.

“We know that when governments work together, communities benefit,” Mayor Johnson said.

“Councils already work with the State Government on many projects as a trusted delivery partner and the LGA has had many productive conversations with Premier Peter Malinauskas and his Cabinet over the past year on how we can continue building a better South Australia.

“Fostering strong, resilient communities requires significant investment which is often beyond the reach of local government on its own.

“That is why we’re asking the State Government to support key priorities that go right to the heart of what is needed for a prosperous South Australia – that being better housing, modern infrastructure, environmental protection and better health services.

“Councils are ready to pitch in and do the work to ensure our communities continue to thrive now and into the future, but for the best possible outcomes they need ongoing State Government collaboration.”

LGA’s priority budget asks for 2024-25

1. Creation of a Local Government Coordinator role

A new Local Government Coordinator would support the South Australian Economic Statement by enabling the timely delivery of local projects that contribute to economic growth. This role would be established within the Department of Premier and Cabinet and would assess and accelerate project proposals requiring multiagency coordination.

2. More support for regional housing uplift

We’re asking the State Government to deliver on its commitment to regional housing through the Office for Regional Housing. We support the establishment of a self-sustaining fund to create additional housing in SA’s regions, with a base investment of $80 million. As houses are built and sold/leased, profits should be returned to the fund.

3. Fund Community Wastewater Management Systems

Increasing Community Wastewater Management System program funding to $12 million per year would support critical infrastructure. We ask the State Government to open a new build program worth up to $20 million to subsidise greenfield development in regional areas, stimulating jobs and housing in regional communities.

4. Review of mandatory rate rebates and exemptions

Under 20+ year old legislation, councils are unable to fairly rate big energy companies and other exempt businesses, meaning communities miss out. We’re seeking a review of the legislation governing mandatory council rate rebates, discounts and exemptions to put more money back into local communities.

5. Further investment in regional roads

We’re asking the State Government to invest in a five year program to assess and improve regional road safety management across the state. Being able to better plan repairs and upgrades based on road condition data will support the state's Road Safety Strategy to 2031 and the national target of zero road deaths by 2050.

6. Restore public libraries funding

Last year, LGA campaigned for the State Government to restore public libraries funding to indexation, which would inject around $16 million over five years. We’re renewing these calls to help properly fund local libraries and prevent cuts to opening hours, books and other resources. We’re also requesting an extra $1 million each year over four years to support priority digital inclusion programs.

7. Save our jetties

As part of our ‘Save Our Jetties’ campaign, we’re asking the State Government to release its jetties strategy and collaborate on a sustainable funding program for repair and upgrade works across all council-leased jetties. Jetties are worth investing in, as they help inject $103 million into the state economy every year, support 800 full time jobs and contribute to visitation and community wellbeing.

8. Protect against illness

Investing an additional $2.4 million to provide ongoing sustainable and equitable funding for councils to deliver on priority immunisation services would directly benefit local communities and safeguard them against disease through vaccination programs.

9. Gender equality and preventing family violence

The State Government has committed to a Royal Commission into domestic, family and sexual violence. Funding a position within the LGA would support councils to prevent violence against women in their communities through a range of initiatives.

10. Wellbeing partnership

Extending funding for the Public Health Partnership Agreement between LGA and Preventive Health SA (formerly known as Wellbeing SA) would help councils to continue delivering outcomes for mental health, active ageing, walkable neighbourhoods, and health promotion.

11. Responding to emergencies

Investing $420,000 each year would support LGA’s role, required under the State Emergency Management Plan, as the lead agency for the Local Government Functional Support Group (LGFSG). The LGFSG plays a critical part during emergencies, coordinating responses and providing vital assistance to councils, communities and emergency service agencies.

12. Preserving tree canopy

We’re asking the State Government to create a new fund that accelerates undergrounding powerlines to reduce conflict with tree canopy, helping meet Urban Green Strategy targets. We’re also seeking legislative changes to the PDI Act on the requirements for removal of significant or regulated trees.

13. Ongoing coastal management

Committing $400,000 per year over four years to continue the Climate Ready Coasts Program would ensure South Australia does not lag behind other states on coastal management. Sea level rise and coastal erosion is already being felt along our coastlines, and this program supports efficient strategies to tackle these challenges.

14. Better stormwater management

Increasing the Stormwater Management Fund from $5 million to $14 million per year will help finance key projects that benefit communities and help reduce the cost of flood responses by more than 50 percent. We support commencing a process of reform, underpinned by a formally established and resourced Stormwater Advisory Committee.

Read the full 2024-25 Pre-Budget Submission ( (PDF 1.5 MB))