The City of Playford has adopted its Annual Business Plan and Budget for the year ahead, with a clear focus on delivering essential services, managing and renewing assets, and supporting population growth - underpinned by a commitment to long-term financial sustainability.
Council will continue to deliver the everyday services our community values, with $125 million committed to areas such as waste collection, food safety, library programs, street lighting and, maintenance of local parks and open spaces.
Mayor Glenn Docherty said this reflects the community's expectations for investing in the basics.
"People expect their Council to get these things right - clean streets, welcoming parks, and reliable services and infrastructure," Mayor Docherty said.
"It's these things that, when done well, make life easier and help our city run smoothly."
More than $38 million has been allocated to renewing and upgrading key infrastructure, including local roads and footpaths, which are vital for connecting people to services, places, and each other.
Over three kilometres of new footpaths will be delivered across seven locations, alongside upgrades to shared-use paths in high-traffic areas such as Fremont Park and Yorktown Road. Additional works will link the recently upgraded Stebonheath Road to the broader network, improving access for pedestrians and cyclists.
In the growing areas of the city, Council will progress infrastructure deeds and detailed design work for key intersections and roads, including Curtis Road/Frisby Road and upgrades to Chivell, Harris and Bubner roads.
"Living in Playford means being part of something unique," the Mayor said.
"We're a city where long-established neighbourhoods and new communities come together - and that means balancing investment in established suburbs with planning and building for the future.
"Creating connection across our city is just as important, which is why we continue to invest in events, recreation spaces, and the elements that turn suburbs into connected, thriving communities."
This includes ongoing upgrades at Argana Park, Stage 1 of the Munno Para Sportsground and works at Dwight Reserve. A new project at Riverlea District Sportsground (North) Stage 1 will also commence this year, alongside a series of smaller improvements across local clubs, such as new storage sheds, cricket pitch renewals and fencing.
"Our investment in connection goes beyond infrastructure," the Mayor said.
"We're also delivering a calendar of community events - including Playford Community Carols, Australia Day, ANZAC Day commemorations, and other local celebrations and activations - that bring people together, strengthen community bonds, and create more opportunities for people to enjoy all that Playford has to offer."
While delivering services and projects and continuing to invest in the future of the city, Council remains firmly committed to long-term financial sustainability. This year's budget carefully balances the need for investment with the responsibility of managing ongoing costs.
To support this, Council has adopted a 4.54% rate increase, ensuring it continues to deliver the essential services the community depends on while responding to economic conditions.
"Rates are reinvested back into our community," Mayor Docherty said.
"They support the everyday services and spaces people rely on, while planning for what's needed next and making sure we can sustain it all into the future.
"This budget reflects a responsible approach and has been shaped by the feedback we received through the community engagement process. Thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute. We remain focused on ensuring Playford grows in a way that is connected, sustainable, and keeps our community front and centre."
The Annual Business Plan and Budget, along with other business plans, are available to view on Playford's website. Head to playford.sa.gov.au/annualbusinessplan
