Every eight (8) years, South Australian councils are required to undertake a 'representation review' to determine whether the community would benefit from an alteration to their council's composition or ward structure. It is City of Port Lincoln Council's turn in the cycle after the last review process was completed in February 2017. The outcome of the last representation review, which took effect from the November 2018 periodic election, was the retention of the then exisiting 'no wards' structure and a reduction in the number of area councillors from ten (10) to nine (9). Any changes to the Council's structure and composition arising from this representation review will take effect from the November 2026 periodic election.

Council commenced its current review on the 5 June 2024 with a briefing of the elected members; discussions regarding the various relevant review issues; and consideration of a detailed Discussion Paper, including potential ward structure options. Subsequently, at a Ordinary Council meeting on the 17 June 2024, Council identified its preferred future composition and structure, and resolved to present this proposal to the community for consideration and comment.

The proposal in respect of the future composition and structure of the City of Port Lincoln Council that Council sought community comment on was:

• The principal member of Council continue to be a Mayor elected by the community (as per the requirements of Section 51 of the Act).
• The future elected body of Council comprise the Mayor and nine (9) area councillors; and
• The Council area not be divided into wards (i.e. the "no ward" structure which was introduced in 2010 be retained).

Council drafted a Representation Report which setout the details of the representation review, the reasons for Council's preferred structure and composition and an analysis of compliance with the relevant provisions and requirements of the Local Government Act 1999.

The community had an opportunity to make a written submission during the consultation period which was open from Thursday 1 August until 10am on Monday 26 August 2024. Any submissions received are to be considered by Council before they make a final decision on their final preferred representation structure. Once Council has finalised their position, it will be provided to the Electoral Commissioner of South Australia for certification and any changes will come into effect for the November 2026 periodic election.

Everybody is impacted by local government and the way in which the elected members represent their community is really important. We encourage everybody to look at the Representation Report and give us your feedback.

The Representation Report is available in the Key Documents section on the right.

Hardcopies of the Representation Report were made available at the Council Administration Office and Port Lincoln Library during the consultation period.