The issue of merging neighbouring councils is back on the government’s agenda.

Premier Peter Malinauskus told the ABC this morning, he frequently has the possibility of merging the Bright and Mount Gambier councils in the South East raised with him.

Mt Gambier Council sits entirely within the Grant Council area and has a much larger population.

Residents in both council areas will be asked their views on a merger in the upcoming November elections.

He said at this stage the government was only looking at the South East, saying that while council mergers could be beneficial and meritorious they only ever work when there is community support for the proposition.

“If it does succeed in this instance maybe we could look to do it elsewhere,” he said. “But at the moment, our effort is only focused in this discrete effort in the south east where we think there is merit to the idea and it is worthy of exploration.”

The issue of merging the Fleurieu's councils has been discussed several times over the years.

South Australia currently has 68 local councils with populations ranging from under 1000 (Orroroo Carrieton) to 175 204 (Onkaparinga).

Census data from 2021 shows Yankalilla DC has 5834 residents, Kangaroo Island 4894, Victor Harbor 16 139 and Alexandrina 28 730.

Alexandrina Council was created in 1997 when the Port Elliot and Goolwa, Strathalbyn and part of the Willunga District Councils merged.

The City of Onkaparinga was also created in 1997 when the City of Happy Valley, City of Noarlunga and part of the Willunga District Council merged.

Kangaroo Island Council was created in 1996 from the merger of the District Council of Kingscote and the District Council of Dudley.

What is now the City of Victor Harbor was created in 1975 when the Corporation of Victor Harbor and District Council of Encounter Bay merged.