The Local Government Association of South Australia has welcomed its new president, Whyalla Mayor Jim Pollock.

LGA Returning Officer and CEO Wendy Campana said Cr Pollock was elected unopposed at the close of nominations on Friday.

His two-year term will commence at the LGA half-yearly General Meeting on April 29.

Cr Pollock said he was “honoured” to be elected to the position and thanked the outgoing president Felicity-ann Lewis.

"Councils in SA have shown an increasing desire to work together through the LGA for efficiencies, professional support and leadership in working constructively with State and Federal governments," he said.

"Mayor Lewis has provided outstanding leadership for the past two years and my goal will be to do the same."

Cr Pollock said he would strive to represent the interests of all councils across the state.

"I have a passion for regional issues but I have lived in Adelaide and will be keen to advance the interests of communities wherever they are in the State.”

He also signalled a more collaborative approach between LGA and State and Federal Governments.

“I think communities want governments to work together.”

Cr Pollock said reform of the Australian Constitutional to formally recognise local government and safeguard the Federal Government’s direct funding of councils would be a key challenge.

He said other issues high on his agenda included: getting better State support for local government waste and recycling operations; ensuring the State Government understood the impact of the proposed 2013 cuts to library funding; continuing to support excellence in governance; and ongoing improvements in asset and financial management. Cr Pollock added that he would also ensure SA received its fair share of Federal funding.