Last night, the City of Playford adopted its Annual Business Plan and Budget (ABP) featuring new services and projects that support a diverse and growing community.

The ABP outlines what Council will deliver in 2023/24, reflecting its sustained commitment to investing in the things that matter most to the community.

“Our community has told us they want a continued focus on environmental sustainability as well as more infrastructure that builds connections across our city,” said Mayor Glenn Docherty.

“Council has introduced a free opt-in green waste service, which means households will be able to recycle green organics and food waste through a kerbside bin.*

“We are also boosting our urban tree planting program and will increase trees in our reserves, parks and streets as part of Council’s commitment to increase tree canopy from 15 to 20 percent by 2045.”

The Playford community is increasing by an average of seven people a day and will continue to do so for the next 20 years. These new residents will need and want access to services and infrastructure to raise their families and enjoy a happy and connected lifestyle. Council will continue to respond to and manage this growth, while meeting the needs of existing residents.

“We need to support the growth of our new communities, while sustaining and improving existing areas,” Mayor Docherty said. “Our plan does this by investing across the city.”

“We are continuing park and reserve upgrades to provide local level connections, will build over one kilometre of new footpaths and invest in infrastructure like roads and stormwater.”

Underpinning the budget is over $104 million in the delivery of existing services.

“Council provides over 25 core services, which are made up of over 200 different activities,” the Mayor said. “These are things the community has told us are important to them - maintenance of streets, verges, ovals and playgrounds​, waste collection and providing libraries and community centres​.”

The 2023/24 budget was adopted following community consultation.

“The majority of feedback received during consultation was in line with what we already know our community wants and needs – improved road infrastructure, ongoing city maintenance and a balanced budget,” said Mayor Docherty.

The budget charts a sustainable course for Council in the long term, in the face of rising costs that are being experienced in all parts of society.

“We have been able to position Council to keep providing those services which we know our community members value, while allowing us to deliver new services and projects which keep our community thriving,” Mayor Docherty said.

Budget highlights

Existing Services

Council has 25 core services, made up of over 200 activities including:

• Waste and recycling
• Verge mowing
• Street cleaning
• Sportsground maintenance and irrigation
• Libraries at Elizabeth and Munno Para and a mobile service available across the city
• Community programs at centres like the Healthy Food Co, Marni Waiendi and the Elizabeth Rise Community Centre

Capital Projects

There are a range of infrastructure projects that were commenced in previous years and will continue in 23/24, including:

• Argana Park car parking, lighting and changeroom upgrades
• Curtis and Frisby Roads intersection upgrade
• Gould Street Reserve, Elizabeth Park upgrade
• Kalara Reserve clubrooms upgrade
• Park Road, Virginia drainage system

Existing Assets

Council has a significant portfolio of assets which it maintains and renews through a regular management program. We will invest $19 million in renewing or replacing existing assets such as kerbs, footpaths, roads, play spaces and sporting facilities.

New Projects

New projects for 23/24 will provide local level connections and make getting around the city easier. These include:

• Detailed design for Broster Road Shared Use Path Connection in Angle Vale
• Design and construction of stormwater infrastructure at Queen and Jane Streets, Smithfield
• Detailed design for Munno Para Sportsground Stage 1, as well as construction of the Kiss and Drop at Mark Oliphant College
• Delivery of over 1000 metres of New Footpaths
• Upgrading the Stebonheath Road/Dalkeith Road intersection (subject to successful grant funding)
• Open Space Minor Projects
• Traffic Management Minor Projects

Rating environment

Rates are an important source of income. Rates are used to deliver services, maintain community infrastructure and provide new projects and services.

Like much of the community, Council is faced with significant cost increases due to high inflation. We have worked diligently to reduce the impact of these costs by only factoring in inflationary pressures where absolutely necessary. This helps minimise the impact for our ratepayers.

A 7.91 per cent increase in rate revenue for the year enables us to continue to deliver our existing services, introduce new services and maintain financial sustainability.

The full Annual Business Plan and Budget 23/24 can be accessed at Playford.sa.gov.au/annualbusinessplan

*The free green bin service will be available from September 2023. Click here for more information.