What South Australians want from their councils

Candidate Ready News

What South Australians want from their councils

Sunday, 8 November 2026

South Australians want their councils to stick to the basics, keep rates down and be held to account when things go wrong. Most don’t think they are getting value for money.

Candidate Ready commissioned independent research firm Fox & Hedgehog to poll 1,000 South Australian adults about their local councils. Fieldwork ran from 19 October to 1 November 2026. Results are weighted, with a margin of error of ±3.7 points.

68%want councils to focus on core services and keep rates low

61%say they are not getting value for money

73%more likely to back a candidate who commits to capping rates

72%say taxpayers should not bail out a failing council

What should councils prioritise?

Roads, rates and rubbish come first. Climate action and community events divide opinion.

Should this be a priority for your council?

Share who say each “should be a priority”

Road maintenance

90%

Minimising rate rises

87%

Rubbish collection

83%

Parks maintenance

76%

Residential and industrial planning

69%

Lobbying state and federal governments

46%

Community event management

44%

Climate action

44%

Advocacy on changing the date of Australia Day

15%

Core services or a broader role?

Which approach would you prefer your local councillors take?

68%

12%

17%

Core services, low rates 68%Unsure 12%Neither 3%Broader role, higher rates 17%

The core services focus rises with age, from 56% of 18 to 34 year olds to 81% of those aged 65 and over.

Value for money

Three in five South Australians say they are not getting value for money from their council.

Do you feel you are getting value for money?

All respondents

21%

18%

61%

Yes 21%Unsure 18%No 61%

Saying “no”, by region

Inner Adelaide

55%

Outer Adelaide

63%

Rural SA

68%

Rates

Would you be more or less likely to vote for a council candidate who committed to capping rates?

28%

45%

20%

Much more likely 28%Somewhat more likely 45%Unsure 20%Less likely 7%

Among ratepayers (home owners), 80% would be more likely to back a rate-capping candidate.

Accountability

South Australians want consequences when councils fail, and councillors who understand the numbers.

What South Australians said

Share who agree

Councillors should understand fiscal management before being elected

75%

Councillors without that background should learn it before making budget decisions

75%

State taxpayers should not cover the costs of a financially unsustainable council

72%

The CEO of a council that fails to improve its finances over four years should not be re-appointed

58%

Its councillors should not be eligible to renominate

56%

Who is primarily responsible for your council’s financial performance?

The council CEO

42%

Local councillors

26%

The State Government

19%

Unsure

13%

The council elections

77%say they are likely to vote at the council elections

33%can name their mayor

29%can name any of their local councillors

Appetite for reform

Merging your council with a neighbouring council to improve financial sustainability

51%

21%

28%

Support 51%Unsure 21%Oppose 28%

Abolishing local government if the State Government could deliver statewide rate capping and long-term fiscal stability

46%

26%

28%

Support 46%Unsure 26%Oppose 28%

Ready to make a difference?

Nominations for the 2027 South Australian council elections open on 26 January 2027. Candidate Ready is a free training program for people who want lower rates, less waste and more accountability.

Source: Fox & Hedgehog, South Australian Council Poll, commissioned by Candidate Ready. Online panel survey of 1,000 South Australian adults, 19 October to 1 November 2026. Results are RIM-weighted by age, gender, education, household income, and region by 2026 state election vote; effective sample size 692; margin of error ±3.7 points. Conducted in compliance with the standards of the Australian Polling Council. Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.