District Council of Yankalilla has engaged independent consultants to review its services to the community.

BeeSquared Consulting has been appointed to work with the council Service Review Working Group, with$30,000 set aside in the 2025–26 Annual Business Plan & Budget to cover the cost of the review.

CEO Nathan Cunningham says it will be a structured health check of a select number of services provided by council.

“We’re always looking for ways to deliver the best possible services for our community and to do so in the most efficient and sustainable way we can. 

“Every year we set ourselves savings targets across different parts of the organisation, but sometimes it helps to step back and obtain a fresh look at how we’re operating.”

The review will centre around four key questions:

• Are the right services being delivered for the community?
• Are they delivered in the best way possible?
• Could they be delivered more efficiently or effectively?
• Are the service levels appropriate given the financial capacity?

“The review doesn’t just focus on cutting costs ,” Mr Cunningham says. “It’s about making sure the services we deliver remain relevant, effective and aligned with the needs and expectations of our community."

The Service Review Working Group is made up of Mayor Darryl Houston, Councillors Wayne Gibbs, Shane Grocke and Karin Hatch, along with CEO Nathan Cunningham, Director Corporate Services Jodie Summer and Director Assets & Environment Mark Gibson.

Mr Cunningham says the group is working closely with the consultants to identify priority areas for review and to ensure the process remains grounded in both operational knowledge and community perspective.

“BeeSquared have already begun a ‘rapid diagnostic’ of Council’s operations, which will help narrow down the focus to a few key services for deeper review.

“The aim is to identify practical efficiencies and improvements that can deliver genuine value for money while maintaining (and where possible improving) service outcomes.

“It’s important to note that not all Council services are discretionary. Some, like rubbish collection, stormwater management and planning approvals, are required by law. 

“Others, such as libraries, playgrounds, or sporting facilities, reflect what communities have told us they value. 

“The Service Review will look at discretionary and non-discretionary services as it considers where improvements can be made.”

Mr Cunningham says the council will provide regular update to the community as the review progresses.