New services that support a diverse and growing community are the highlights of Council’s Draft Annual Business Plan (ABP) 2023/24, to be released on 26 April for public consultation.

The draft ABP outlines the services, projects and programs Council will deliver in the year ahead, reflecting its sustained focus on investing in the things that matter most to the community.

“Our community has told us they want new services that focus on making environmental sustainability easier, as well as initiatives that continue to green our city,” said Mayor Glenn Docherty.

“Council is proposing the introduction of 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 which will see more trees planted in our reserves, parks and streets.”

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

“The draft plan does this by investing across the city.

“We are continuing park and reserve upgrades to provide local level connections, will build over 1000 metres of new footpaths and invest in infrastructure like roads and stormwater," said Mayor Docherty.

Underpinning the draft ABP 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 draft budget also covers rising costs due to inflation and meets budget goals that support long term financial sustainability.

“The proposed ABP charts a sustainable course for Council in the long term, in the face of rising costs,” said Mayor Docherty.

“It positions the Council to keep providing those services which we know our community members value so much while allowing us to deliver those new services which keep our community thriving."

The budget proposes to increase total rates collected by 7.91%, which equates to a $2.56 per week increase on the average rates bill in Playford.

“The draft plan is now available for residents to provide their feedback and we want to hear from our community,” said Mayor Docherty.

“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.”

This year, Council’s Annual Business Plan and Budget is also subject to a rates oversight process through the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA).

“This is another mechanism that keeps Council accountable and supports openness and transparency in our decision making,” said Mayor Docherty. “We look forward to seeing ESCOSA’s feedback on our plans.”

The draft ABP will be released for public consultation from Wednesday 26 April until midnight on Tuesday 23 May.

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

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

• Making a verbal submission at the Council meeting being held on Tuesday 23 May.

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