The City of Playford has adopted its Annual Business Plan and Budget 2026/27, delivering a balanced approach that continues to invest in essential services, renew infrastructure and support growth across the city.
As the centre of growth in South Australia, the budget ensures Council can respond to increasing demand while continuing to support established communities and maintain the services residents rely on every day.
The adopted budget maintains Council's focus on financial sustainability while ensuring the delivery of everyday services, including waste collection, maintenance of parks and reserves, libraries, community programs, and road and footpath maintenance.
Mayor Glenn Docherty said the budget reflects a disciplined and practical approach for the year ahead.
"This is a responsible budget that delivers the services our community expects while ensuring we continue to invest for the future," said the Mayor
"With more people choosing to call Playford home, it's critical we continue to invest in the infrastructure, services and community spaces that support a growing and connected city."
Council's operating budget of $168.2M supports ongoing service delivery alongside a program of infrastructure investment across both established suburbs and emerging growth areas.
Key projects over the next 12 months include the commencement of new clubrooms and changerooms at Dwight Reserve, completion of Stage 1 of the Riverlea District Sportsground, and completion of Stage 2 of Munno Para Sportsground.
Further investment will deliver Stage 3 of Munno Para Sportsground, including a new synthetic soccer pitch, lighting, training areas, a community play space and improved connections, as well as new footpaths across suburbs including Craigmore, Elizabeth, Hillbank and Munno Para West. Planning and design will also commence for the upgrade of Odgers Road and O'Loughlin Road, Virginia.
"These projects support our growing community while ensuring people in established areas continue to see investment where it's needed," the Mayor said.
The budget also responds to increasing cost pressures, including rising waste management costs, energy and fuel expenses, asset depreciation and changes to contracted services with the Animal Welfare League for animal management.
Council continues to manage these pressures through a strong focus on efficiency and continuous improvement, while maintaining a sustainable level of debt and delivering an operating surplus.
To support continued investment in services and infrastructure, Council has adopted a 3.5% increase in rate revenue for 2026/27.
"Rates are reinvested back into the community, supporting the services and infrastructure our residents rely on every day," said the Mayor, adding, "Thank you to everyone who engaged with us during this year's planning process. Your feedback helps guide our decisions, and we look forward to continuing to work together to shape Playford's future."
The Annual Business Plan and Budget 2026/27, along with the Long Term Financial Plan 2026/27 and Strategic Asset Management Plan 2026/27, are available to view on Council's website.
