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We are seeking feedback on Council’s Draft Community Engagement Policy.

The Policy has been developed to be in line with the State Government Community Engagement Charter (the Charter) and the Local Government Act 1999.

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Why we have reviewed the Policy

On 11 December 2025, the state government approved the new Charter, which provided updated expectations for how councils across South Australia design, deliver, and report on community engagement.

A new section within the Act (Section 50A) was created requiring councils to adopt a community engagement policy that sets out the principles, procedures, and practices that the council will apply when undertaking community engagement on matters prescribed under the Act, consistent with the provisions of the Charter.

Levels of engagement within the Charter

The new Charter sets different levels of required engagement based on how important a decision is by grouping decisions into different categories.

The Charter establishes different categories of consultation for matters, as follows:

  • Adopting an Annual Business Plan - section 123(3)(b)
  • Changes to basis of rating, declaring differential rates, imposing a separate rate, service rate or service charge, or changing the basis on which land is valued for the purpose of rating - section 151(5)(e)
  • Representation reviews - section 12(7)
  • Development and review of Strategic Management Plans - section 122(6)
  • Changes to use of differential rating - section 156(4a)(b)
  • Revocation of classification of land as community land - sections 194(2)(b)
  • Community Land Management Plans - adoption - section 197(1)
  • Community Land Management Plans – significant amendments - section 198(3)
  • Alienation of community land by lease or license - section 202(2)
  • Opening hours and place of principal office - substantial changes - section 45(3)
  • Community Engagement Policy - section 50A(6)(b)
  • Council behavioural support policies - section 75F(6)
  • Access to meetings and documents - section 92(5)
  • Power to make orders - section 259(2)(b)
  • Proposed permit or authorisation for alteration or use of a road for business purposes when there are works and traffic impeded for more than 48 hours (with a detour in place) or where no detour will be available - section 223(1)
  • Proposed planting of vegetation on a road – significant impact - section 232(b)
  • Opening hours and place of principal office – minor changes - section 45(3)
  • Proposed permit or authorisation for alteration or use of a road for business purposes when there are works and traffic impeded for less than 48 hours and the Council ensures that a detour is in place - section 223(1)
  • Election information - section 13A (2) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999

Each level has minimum engagement requirements, for example:

  • Minor matters, such as minor changes to council office hours or some road proposals, may only need information shared with the community.
  • Major matters, like the Annual Business Plan, must include a public notice published in a local news publication and a chance for the community to give feedback.

How to provide feedback

  • Online
    • Provide feedback via the online survey

  • Written feedback

    • Email your submission to alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au
    • Post your feedback to Att: CEO, Alexandrina Council, PO Box 21, Goolwa SA 5214
    • Drop your feedback off at the Strathalbyn or Goolwa office during opening hours

    You can prepare your own written submissions, or download a hardcopy survey from the Document Library.