2026 Member Survey: How LGA is addressing your feedback
In 2026, we asked members to share their views through a LGA Member Survey. The survey asked members what’s working well and where we can improve.
Thank you to everyone who took part. Your feedback gave us a clear picture of what members value and where we can improve the support we provide to South Australia’s local government sector.
View the feedback and how LGA is responding
Key priorities
From the survey results, four key priorities emerged.
Advocacy
Members want greater visibility of LGA’s advocacy work and how it delivers outcomes for local government.
How LGA is responding
Delivering a transparent, coordinated and member-informed advocacy approach that strengthens the sector’s influence with the state and federal government.
How LGA will achieve this
Short-term (3-6 months)
- Develop an annual Advocacy Plan, endorsed by GAROC, SAROC and the Board. These are the key advocacy priorities LGA will focus on over the year.
- Create an Advocacy Framework outlining decision-making process, consultation, escalation pathways, how items are managed, and reporting mechanisms.
- Strengthen engagement with government, opposition and key partners to build support for the sector’s priorities.
Medium term (6-12 months)
- Quarterly advocacy briefings for councils, CEOs and elected members.
- Publish advocacy wins, case studies and campaign outcomes through member communications.
- Mobilise councils and partners around shared priorities through coordinated campaigns, evidence and practical advocacy tools.
Membership value
Members want greater visibility of the services, resources and opportunities available through LGA membership.
How LGA is responding
Improving member experience by delivering clearer value, stronger engagement pathways and accessible support across all member groups.
How LGA will achieve this
Short-term (3-6 months)
- Develop a Member Engagement Framework that defines engagement standards and communication touchpoints.
- Increase engagement and council visits.
- Ensure that membership value and our offerings are clear, providing clarity on how to access support/who to contact.
Medium term (6-12 months)
- Host an “All In” welcome day for all elected members with key sector partners.
Long term (12 months and ongoing)
- Expand online and on-demand training delivery for elected members and council staff.
- Identify and deliver new member service offerings that meet the needs of the sector.
Responsiveness
Members want LGA to continue improving how it listens, responds and works with councils.
How LGA is responding
Building member trust and confidence through consistent service standards, transparent communication and improved organisational responsiveness.
How LGA will achieve this
Short-term (3-6 months)
- Develop a Customer Service Charter outlining service standards, response timeframes and communication principles.
- Create response templates and guidance for complex requests
Medium term (6-12 months)
- Strengthen enquiry tracking and coordination so members receive consistent support and do not need to repeat their issue.
Monitor performance against service standards and report on improvements and areas requiring further work. - Use enquiry trends and feedback to identify recurring issues and improve guidance and services.
Communications
Members want clear, timely and relevant information from LGA.
How LGA is responding
Improving governance collaboration and strengthening regional representation through clearer structures and engagement processes.
How LGA will achieve this
Short-term (3-6 months)
- Clearer communications on the work LGA is undertaking and the outcomes we are delivering for the sector, including our influence in policy and legislation.
Tailor communications to the needs of mayors, elected members, CEOs and council staff. - Close the loop on consultations: explain what we heard, how it informed our position and what happens next.
Medium term (6-12 months)
- Finalise LGA Website Redevelopment.
- Strengthen two-way communication through targeted briefings, regional networks and direct engagement, refining our approach using member feedback.
We'll keep you updated
We'll provide further updates as actions and projects progress and are completed.
This will provide an ongoing view of how LGA is responding to your feedback and working towards the four priorities identified through the 2026 Member Survey and workshops.
Your feedback matters
The Member Survey gives members a direct opportunity to help shape the work of LGA.
Your feedback helps us strengthen how we advocate for local government, communicate with members and deliver value to your council. Thank you for taking the time to share your views and help us build a better LGA.
We look forward to continuing to work with members to support a strong South Australian local government sector and the communities it serves.