Written notice of resignation - Councillor Lou Nicholson

On 7 April 2026, former Alexandrina West Ward Councillor Lou Nicholson provided written notice of her resignation from Council following her election as the Member for Finniss in the March State Election. The Electoral Commission of South Australia formally declared Ms Nicholson elected to the House of Assembly on 2 April 2026.

Council noted Ms Nicholson’s resignation as West Ward Councillor at the 20 April Ordinary Council Meeting.

Given that the West Ward Councillor vacancy has occurred within 12 months of the next Local Government Periodic Election, scheduled in November this year, there is no requirement to conduct a supplementary election. This is in accordance with the provisions of Section 6(2)(a) of the Local Government (Elections) Act 1999. Council will effectively ‘carry’ the vacancy for the remainder of the term.

At their April Meeting, Councillors noted that Cr Nicholson’s position will not be filled. They also noted that, in accordance with the Act, the prescribed number of members of Council resulting from the casual vacancy is now nine (9), with a quorum of five (5) members required to transact council business.

Council resolved to send a letter to Ms Nicholson congratulating her on her election as the Member for Finniss and acknowledging and thanking her for her service to Alexandrina Council.

Council also resolved to send letters of congratulations to incoming Members of the House of Assembly representing areas within Alexandrina, and to former Members of the House of Assembly (who represented the Alexandrina region) to thank them for their service to the community and to Alexandrina Council.

As a result of Cr Nicholson’s resignation, Council has appointed:

• Cr Michael Scott to the vacant Council Member position on the Climate Emergency and Environment Advisory Committee.
• Cr Bill Coomans to the vacant position on the Ratalang Basham Beach and Horseshoe Bay Advisory Committee.