FAQs

Changes to the Local Government Act 1999 require all South Australian councils to adopt a Community Engagement Policy that aligns with the new South Australian Community Engagement Charter. This policy replaces Council's existing Community Consultation and Engagement Policy (P195) and establishes how Council will engage with the community on decisions, plans, projects and policy changes.

The new policy introduces a framework that aligns with the South Australian Community Engagement Charter. It identifies different categories of engagement, establishes minimum consultation requirements for certain council decisions, and provides greater consistency in how engagement is undertaken across South Australia.

The Community Engagement Charter is a statewide framework developed as part of local government reform. It sets minimum requirements for how councils must engage with their communities on specific decisions and processes, while still allowing individual councils flexibility in how they undertake engagement locally.

No. The Policy establishes the minimum community engagement requirements that Council must meet under the Local Government Act 1999 and the South Australian Community Engagement Charter, but it does not limit Council's ability to undertake additional engagement where it is considered appropriate or beneficial. 

The Policy specifically recognises that meaningful community engagement extends beyond legislative requirements and allows Council to engage with the community on a broader range of decisions, activities and projects when community input would support informed decision-making, strategic planning, service delivery or matters of community interest. 

In addition, the Policy allows Council, the Chief Executive Officer or a delegated officer to determine the most appropriate engagement approach for a particular matter and to undertake engagement activities beyond the minimum standards set out in the Charter.

The Policy is designed to provide a consistent framework and minimum standards - not to restrict Council's ability to listen to and engage with the community when circumstances warrant a more extensive approach.

Yes. The Community Engagement Policy establishes the minimum engagement requirements that must be met under the Local Government Act 1999 and the South Australian Community Engagement Charter. Council cannot undertake less engagement than is required under these provisions. However, Council may determine that additional engagement activities are appropriate for a particular project, decision or issue.

Where appropriate, Council may resolve to undertake engagement activities beyond the minimum requirements of the Charter. The Policy also allows Council, the Chief Executive Officer or an authorised delegate to determine the most suitable engagement methods on a case-by-case basis.

Importantly, the Policy is intended to establish a minimum standard, not a maximum limit. The City of Mount Gambier has a strong history of undertaking engagement activities that exceed legislative requirements, including approaches such as:

• Community reference groups;
• Community panels;
• Co-design processes;
• Workshops and focus groups; and
• Other participatory engagement activities.

These approaches may continue to be used where they are considered beneficial and appropriate to the matter being considered.

While Council may choose to undertake additional engagement, it cannot resolve to reduce or avoid the minimum consultation requirements prescribed by the Community Engagement Charter and reflected in the Policy.

The Community Engagement Principles have been adapted from the principles contained within the South Australian Community Engagement Charter and the Model Community Engagement Policy developed by the Local Government Association of South Australia to support councils in meeting the new legislative requirements.

The principles have been tailored to reflect the City of Mount Gambier's local context and commitment to transparent, inclusive and effective decision-making. They are intended to provide clear, accessible guidance on how Council will approach community engagement, while remaining consistent with the objectives and expectations of the Charter.

No. Provided at least one activity listed is undertaken then public consultation requirements will be met.

All Council’s in South Australia are required to transition to the requirements of the charter within 3 months of adopting the new policy or 10 December (whichever date comes first). Aligning with the timeframes proposed for the adoption of this policy, Council must transition to the new standards by 18 November 2026.