An Adelaide council has become the state’s first to turn its back on the LGA: others may follow suit

AN Adelaide council’s become the first in the state to break ranks with the Local Government Association, labelling it a “bloated bureaucracy” — and there’s talk of several others following suit.

The Adelaide council that’s turned its back on the LGA

AN Adelaide council has become the first in the state to break ranks with the Local Government Association, labelling it a “bloated bureaucracy” and a waste of ratepayers’ money.

Marion Council last night voted to suspend its membership of the LGA, which promotes itself as “the voice of local government in South Australia”.

The Guardian Messenger understands at least three other metropolitan councils are considering the same move.

Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said the LGA charged his council $101,000 a year in fees but did not deliver enough benefits to ratepayers.

“There needs to be some sort of grouping of councils, however, my observation has been (the LGA) is a bloated bureaucracy,” Mr Hanna said.

“It hasn’t been good value for councils, particularly for Marion with what we’ve been paying.”

Mr Hanna hoped his council’s decision would “shock” the LGA into “some kind of reform”.

The council will consider rejoining if its membership fee is reduced to about $70,000 a year.

Councillor Bruce Hull first raised leaving the LGA in May after it was revealed Marion paid more in membership fees than any other council.

Cr Bruce Hull first raised the issue of leaving the LGA in May Picture: Noelle Bobrige

“The LGA knew we wanted a reduced membership for three months and they’ve thumbed their nose at us,” Cr Hull said.

“We actually declined our membership with the Murray Darling Association because we thought it was a waste of money.

“Well, have a look at this one — this is that on steroids.”

Cr Hull said there were also extra membership costs, such as catered training sessions and conferences.

“They must be the most expensive spring rolls in the city,” he said.

“It’s time for us to bring this to a head.”

The LGA provides leadership to councils on key issues and lobbies other tiers of government on their behalf.

It sets membership fees based on each council’s budget and population.

LGA communications director Chris Russell would not comment until Marion formally advised the association of its decision to suspend its membership.

In a table provided to Marion with its bill, the LGA claimed the council would be $6.2 million a year better off thanks, in part, to its lobbying for more council funding.

The LGA this month appointed BP Development’s external affairs manager Matt Pinnegar as its new chief executive.

Mr Pinnegar will start in the role on September 7. He replaces Wendy Campana who resigned in April after 10 years leading the LGA.