Delegations and By-Laws

Councils have certain duties which they must perform, and certain powers which they may exercise, pursuant to the Local Government Act 1999 as well as a range of other Acts. In most cases the relevant Acts grant those duties and powers directly on the Council as a body.

It is not practical or efficient for the Council as a body of elected members to perform the many functions or undertake the many activities that are required in the day-to-day administration of Council's roles and functions. Delegations are the way in which the Council enables other people/bodies (usually Council officers) to undertake these steps on its behalf.

The Council may elect to delegate its powers and responsibilities to the Chief Executive Officer who may then sub-delegate his or her powers and responsibilities to other responsible staff. The Council may also delegate its powers and responsibilities to a Committee of Council.

Council delegates powers and duties under the various Acts via a formal Instrument of Delegation. A copy of these instruments and the sub-delegations for each Act are available below.

Under the Local Government Act 1999, councils in South Australia are able to establish by-laws — local laws established to respond to issues specific to the relevant council area.

The Adelaide Hills Council currently has six by-laws, which apply only within the boundaries of the Adelaide Hills Council.