As a way to demonstrate our community engagement focus, we have recently committed to one of the largest and most innovative engagement exercises to date. This was through involving over 1600 people who live and work in Playford to help shape our city’s draft Strategic Plan 2020-2024.

Here’s what some of our community advocates shared about their experience and what drove them to be part of the conversation.

New residents to Playford, Kathryn and Kevin Snape, believe community engagement is extremely important because “if you are going to be in a community, you should be part of it”.

The couple agreed that the experience puts a “face to a name” and helps Council to be more approachable.

“If they don’t ask, they are not going to know,” Kevin said. “Council then has the chance to filter what actually is important,” Kathryn added.

Both Kathryn and Kevin want to make sure the city is prepared for growth and supports the community through planning, infrastructure and services.

Living within one of the new growth areas, traffic management of Curtis Road is a passion point.

“We live in a growing community,” Kathryn said. “There are more and more houses going up, so it can only get more congested.”

With an ageing population, the couple would like to see a focus on better connected communities, through construction of accessible footpaths, seating and shade.

Kevin and Kathryn are already active members of the community as members of the Playford men and women sheds, but believe access to community service information is also a priority.