The City of Playford is inviting residents to help shape the Council’s future, by sharing their views as part of its Representation Review. It is being undertaken to determine whether a change of arrangements is required in respect to Council’s elector representation.

City of Playford’s current composition is made up of five wards, with a popularly-elected mayor and 15 councillors. The review is examining this make up, taking into account factors such as demographic trends, population projections and communities of interest.

Mayor Glenn Docherty emphasised the importance of community involvement in the Representation Review process.

“Council has been reviewing data including population growth figures and projections and has developed a proposed composition of representation for our community to consider,” Mayor Docherty said.

“Importantly, however, a final decision will only be made after we’ve had input from our community, which is vital in shaping the future of Council.”

The in-principle composition that was endorsed by Council for community feedback includes a reduction in councillors from 15 to 12 and a reduction in wards from five to four, including the redistribution of ward boundaries (see map below for further information).

The principal member of Council will remain as a mayor who is elected by the community.

"We want to hear from our residents about how they feel they are represented in our local government,” the Mayor said. "Our priority is to ensure that our structure remains fair and equitable, so appropriate representation is afforded to all Playford residents.”

While Playford’s population continues to rapidly grow, the proposed reduction in elected member numbers is being considered following local government reforms, instituted by the State Government, which has stipulated a 13-member cap across South Australian councils.

“Council has developed a comprehensive Representation Report for the community to review,” the Mayor said. “It details how we reached the in-principle composition that meets the new specifications outlined by the State Government, yet remains fair and equitable while considering the growth projections of our city,” the Mayor said. “I encourage our community to read the report to better understand the structure and how you will be represented into the future.

"Your input is invaluable. This is your chance to influence how you are represented in local decision-making, and we want to make sure that every voice is heard.”

About Representation Reviews
Councils across South Australia are required to periodically conduct Representation Reviews, to ensure their structures and compositions remain fair, equitable and responsive to the evolving needs of communities.

Should there be changes to Council’s composition, they must first be certified by the Electoral Commissioner, before coming into effect at the next local government election in November 2026.

Community engagement details
Community engagement is open from Monday 02 September until Monday 30 September. For more information on the Representation Review, to review the Representation Review Report and to share your views:

• Go to https://playford.engagementhub...
• Phone 8256 0333
• Email playford@playford.sa.gov.au
• Visit us in person at 10 Playford Boulevard, Elizabeth