Media Release 23 October 2020 Report explores strategic options for Council boundaries Adelaide Hills Council has completed a Strategic Boundary Review Report to be presented for consideration at the 27 October Council meeting. Deputy Mayor Nathan Daniell says Council resolved in June 2019 to conduct a high level review of the Adelaide Hills Council boundaries to identify boundary reform options. “We commenced this review process with no predetermined expectations but with a willingness to explore any options that may benefit the community into the future,” said Deputy Mayor Daniell. “Given that Adelaide Hills Council has nine neighbours (the highest number of boundary connections of any South Australian Council), it is neither prudent nor strategic to pursue an opportunistic approach to boundary reform.” “Council recognised the need for a strategic approach that is community-centred and consistent with our Strategic Plan 2020-24: A brighter future.” “The Review Report identifies a number of options as the starting point for any strategic analysis that Council may wish to undertake to further explore any opportunities.” “It is important to emphasise the options in the Review Report are not the formal position of Council and our Council has not formally endorsed any boundary change proposal.” Adelaide Hills Council’s resolved position is to constructively and collaboratively engage with our community and neighbouring councils in relation to pursuing any boundary reform options. “Consistent with this constructive and collaborative approach, we informed the Mayors and CEOs of our nine neighbouring councils of our intention to conduct the strategic review.” “Each of our neighbouring councils received a copy of the Review Report prior to it being made public.” “This was considered to be an appropriate and respectful approach to boundary reform and, unfortunately, stands in contrast to the conduct of some other councils undertaking boundary reform proposals.” ahc.sa.gov.au @adelhillscouncil @adelaidehillscouncil @ahcouncil @adelaide-hills-council Adelaide Hills Council official Media Release “Any further progress as a result of the Review Report will be conducted in consultation with our residents and neighbouring councils,” said Deputy Mayor Daniell. The review of the existing council boundary has revealed a number of irregularities and opportunities which may warrant further consideration. “The clear intent of this review has been to identify opportunities for acquiring and/or relinquishing areas that could deliver on the Strategic Plan strategy of ‘ensuring Council boundaries best serve our communities’, said Deputy Mayor Daniell. Background: On 1 January 2019, new provisions in the Local Government Act 1999 regarding boundary reform came into effect. The provisions fundamentally changed the manner in which reform proposals would be managed. A number of councils have taken the opportunity to lodge boundary reform proposals with the Boundaries Commission. The review and preparation of the Strategic Boundary Review Report for Adelaide Hills Council was conducted by an independent specialist planning consultant. The scope of the review was to consider, but not necessarily be limited to, the following factors, both within the Adelaide Hills Council and the respective adjoining council: Demographics Land form Land use Heritage Services received from the current council (e.g. type and frequency of waste collection, CWMS connections, etc.) Distances from service centres, depots, libraries and transfer stations Rating/service charge structures applicable to the area Economic and social structures, and Communities of interest The Adelaide Hills Council is bounded by the following councils: The Barossa Council City of Playford City of Tea Tree Gully Campbelltown City Council City of Burnside ahc.sa.gov.au @adelhillscouncil @adelaidehillscouncil @ahcouncil @adelaide-hills-council Adelaide Hills Council official Media Release City of Mitcham City of Onkaparinga Mount Barker District Council Mid-Murray Council The next Adelaide Hills Council meeting is on Tuesday 27 October: 6:30pm Media contact: [email protected] ahc.sa.gov.au @adelhillscouncil @adelaidehillscouncil @ahcouncil @adelaide-hills-council Adelaide Hills Council official .