Exploring Shared Services Across the Fleurieu
A step toward smarter local governance.
Council Affairs — Commentary
Published 23 May 2026
A vision for greater efficiency
At a recent council meeting, an important motion was put forward by Cr Karin Hatch, seconded by Cr Davina Quirke, that could potentially reshape how local government administration operates across the Fleurieu Peninsula.
The motion centres on the idea of aggregating back-office administrative functions across three neighbouring councils:
- ✓City of Victor Harbor (CVH)
- ✓Alexandrina Council (AC)
- ✓District Council of Yankalilla (the originating council)
The proposal seeks to explore whether combining certain administrative services into a single shared provider could deliver financial savings, operational efficiencies, and improved service outcomes.
What's being proposed?
The first step is cautious and investigative rather than prescriptive. Council has resolved — subject to support from CVH and AC — to request a detailed briefing on the scope of commissioning an independent report.
This report would examine:
- •Whether cost savings could be achieved
- •Which service areas would benefit most
- •Any potential drawbacks or risks
The administrative functions identified for consideration include:
Fleet Services
Procurement
Accounts and Finance
Human Resources (HR) and Industrial Relations (IR)
Payroll
Information Technology (IT)
Importantly, this is not a final list, but rather a starting point for broader analysis.
Collaboration at the core
Recognising that such a change would require strong regional cooperation, the motion also calls for joint discussions between council leaders.
If supported, the Mayor and CEO will work with their counterparts from Victor Harbor and Alexandrina to:
- ✓Discuss the potential benefits of a shared services model
- ✓Develop a clear scope for the independent report
- ✓Ensure all three councils are aligned before proceeding
This collaborative approach reflects a growing trend in local government: working across boundaries to reduce duplication and maximise value for ratepayers.
Why this matters
Councils today face increasing pressure to:
- !Deliver more services with limited resources
- !Maintain infrastructure and community programs
- !Keep rates affordable
Shared service models are becoming an attractive option because they can:
- ✓Reduce administrative overhead
- ✓Improve consistency in processes
- ✓Leverage combined purchasing power
- ✓Allow councils to focus more on frontline community services
However, such arrangements also require careful planning to ensure:
- •Local identity and decision-making are preserved
- •Service quality is maintained or improved
- •Transition risks are managed effectively
What happens next?
At this stage, the initiative is firmly in the investigative phase. The next key milestone will be gaining agreement from the other councils and defining the scope of the independent analysis.
If progressed, the resulting report will provide elected members with the evidence needed to decide whether a shared administrative model is viable — and beneficial — for the Fleurieu region.
Looking ahead
This proposal signals a proactive approach to governance — one that is open to innovation while grounded in due diligence. By exploring collaboration at a deeper operational level, the councils are positioning themselves to potentially deliver smarter, more efficient services to their communities.
As discussions unfold, this initiative will be one to watch for anyone interested in the future of local government on the Fleurieu.
Have a view on this?
If you'd like to share your perspective — or point me to information I should look at — the best way is to send me a message.
Contact Shane →