Council boundaries

There are 68 councils across South Australia. Each council area may be divided into wards.  

To access maps of council areas visit the council websites page.

Council boundaries can be changed through a representation review process.

Local government representation reviews

A representation review is a process to determine whether a council would benefit from an alteration to its current composition or ward structure to meet future requirements.

A council is required to conduct a review of its representation at least once in each relevant period as prescribed by the regulations of the Local Government Act 1999 (The Act).  The Minister for Local Government from time to time will publish a timing schedule for determination of the relevant period.

However, councils may undertake a review at any time into aspects of its composition or ward structure or they may be requested to undertake a review within a specified period by the Electoral Commissioner.

The Act prescribes the process and requirements of the representation review that focuses on all aspects of the composition of the council including:

• the number of council members,
• the division or abolishment of wards in the council area, and
• the number of voters represented by each elected council member.

All reviews must take the principles specified in the Act into account so that:

• any changes made are to benefit ratepayers,
• arrangements should reflect communities of interest and should avoid separations of such communities,
• voters should be afforded effective participation in decisions on local matters, and
• Council is able to cooperate with other councils and govern effectively.

Reform to the Act has changed the representation review process. Refer to the following instruments for up-to-date information on council responsibilities and the Electoral Commissioner’s role:

• Local Government Act 1999
• Local Government (General) Regulations 2013
• Local Government (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2021
• Statutes Amendment (Local Government Review) Act 2021

Guideline for councils

The below Representation Review Guideline provides general information for councils conducting a representation review. This should be read in conjunction with the requirements under the relevant legislative instruments.

• Undertaking a Representation Review - Guidelines for Council (203 Kb)
• Elector Ratio Calculator (20Kb)

Review schedule

The schedule for reviews is determined by the Minister of Local Government. 

For more information on the representation review process in your area please contact your council.