The draft ABP outlines Council’s 12-month commitment to deliver services, facilities, programs and projects that will support the community to live well, both now and into the future.

Mayor Glenn Docherty explained Council’s focus throughout the budget planning process was on making decisions that lead to sustainable, long-term benefits for the community.

“Playford has been at the forefront of growth in South Australia over the last decade,” said Mayor Docherty. “This is set to continue, with 10 people a day forecast to move to the city over the next 20 years.

“It places us in a unique position where we are responding to and managing exceptional growth, while simultaneously providing the broad range of everyday services our community knows and expects from us.”

Council relies on its strategic framework, including its long-term financial plan, the community’s vision for the city, strategic asset management plans and finance strategy to inform its decisions around the budget.

“There are a number of inputs that contribute to the development of our annual budget,” the Mayor said. “Using these inputs as our guideposts, and maintaining a commitment to financial sustainability, we have been able to budget a structural surplus position for 2024/25.”

The structural surplus ensures Council can meet its current and long-term commitments. “We are mindful that the decisions we make today will shape our city and community over the next five, ten and twenty-years, and the structural surplus for 2024/25 is within the endorsed target ratios that support long-term sustainability,” the Mayor said.

The draft ABP builds on the work Council has delivered under its current strategic focus of community and city foundations.

“Our 2020-2024 Strategic Plan has seen us focus on community and city foundations – delivering the things that make a difference to our residents’ everyday life,” the Mayor said.

“We will deliver against this focus again in the next 12 months. As such, essential services that maintain and enhance the city account for the biggest proportion of the total budget.”

Council provides over 25 core services, which are made up of over 200 different activities, which includes things like maintenance of streets, verges, ovals and playgrounds, waste collection and providing libraries and community centres.

“This year, we also plan to continue park and reserve upgrades in our established suburbs to provide more opportunities for our community to get outside and connect,” the Mayor said.

“We will invest in footpath and road upgrades to provide local level connections and there will be improvements to stormwater infrastructure to accommodate the rapid expansion of residential areas.”

The draft budget also recognises the impact of rising costs and inflationary pressures such as depreciation, insurance premiums and energy bills.

“Council, like most households, has faced higher prices for goods and services across the board, which ultimately means it costs us more to deliver our services,” the Mayor said. “We have worked hard to position the budget to cover rising costs, but also meet budget goals to allow for long term financial sustainability.”

The budget proposes to increase total rates collected by 6.5%, which equates to a $2.28 per week increase on the average rates bill in Playford. The proposed increase is consistent with CPI.

“The proposed budget positions Council to keep providing those services which we know our community members value so much while allowing us to respond to growth and keep our community thriving,” the Mayor said.

The draft plan is available from Wednesday 1 May until midnight on Tuesday 28 May for the community to provide input.

“We are the only level of government that offers its community the chance to help shape plans for the year ahead, so I encourage people to share their views.”

Engagement opportunities – 2024/25 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget – 01 May to 28 May, 2024.

Copies of the draft plan will be available on the City of Playford website, Engagement Hub and in hard copy from Customer Care locations at:

Playford Civic Centre Stretton Centre

10 Playford Boulevard 307 Peachey Road

Elizabeth Munno Para

You can share your views on the draft ABP by:

• Visiting City of Playford online Engagement Hub playford.engagementhub.com.au

• Completing a hard copy feedback form available from Customer Care locations

• Emailing connected@playford.sa.gov.au

• Registering to attend the public hearing will also be held on Tuesday 28 May as part of the May Ordinary Council Meeting from 7pm at the Council Chambers, Playford Boulevard, Elizabeth.

For more information on the engagement process for the draft ABP, please visit Playford.engagementhub.com.au or phone 8256 0333