In the City of Playford, there are distinct residential areas where a significant portion of the population is heavily and intergenerationally disadvantaged, with an influx of new migrants who come from varying levels of socio-economic backgrounds, while other areas are relatively better off. The implementation of a University Study Hub will assist with reducing the socio-economic disparities in the region. Only 8.4% of people living in the City of Playford have a Bachelor degree or higher, compared to the national average of 26.3%, which is a significant barrier for the community to fully participate in future economic and employment opportunities. The suburb of Elizabeth within the City of Playford has an even lower percentage of people with a Bachelor degree or higher. Council City of Playford, South Australia Suburb Elizabeth, South Australia
% of population with Bachelor degree or higher 8.4%
National average
% of population with Bachelor degree or higher 6.8%
National average
26.3%
26.3%
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2021
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The City of Playford has a low SIEFA index of 852, which is the lowest level of socio-economic disadvantage among metropolitan councils across Australia, with the national average score sitting at 1001.2. Further only 41 councils in remote regions across Australia have a lower SEIFA score than the City of Playford. The table below shows SEIFA scores for various LGA areas. Council Woollahra Municipality, NSW *most advantaged LGA in Australia City of Burnside, SA City of Onkaparinga, SA Town of Gawler, SA City of Port Adelaide Enfield, SA City of Salisbury, SA The Murray Bridge, SA City of Playford, SA Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yunkunytjatjara, SA
SEIFA by Local Government Area 1176 1083 988 960 953 904 891 852 496
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2021
Area National average Greater Adelaide South Australia Elizabeth, South Australia
SEIFA by area 1001.2 992.0 982.0 717.3
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2021
The percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the City of Playford is 4.2%, which is higher than the national average of 3.2% and double the 1.7% for Greater Adelaide. % Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - City of Playford population 4.2%
% Aboriginal and Torres % Aboriginal and Torres % Aboriginal and Strait Islander peoples - Strait Islander peoples Torres Strait Islander Greater Adelaide South Australia peoples National average 1.7%
2.4%
3.2%
Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing 2021
A physical higher education presence is essential for this community to alleviate barriers to tertiary education. An independent feasibility study commissioned by the City of Playford in collaboration with University of Adelaide in 2022 suggests that exposure and access to a University Study Hub close to home will help address barriers to further education that people from the north of Adelaide face. This includes financial issues, limited role models, lack of access to transport, along with distance and stigma associated with coming from the north. Seeing is believing and having a university presence close to home, at the forefront of young people’s minds, makes it more attainable and less daunting. It will open doors to opportunities and foster the belief in pursuing a brighter future.
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Community aspirations for higher education Independent market research engaged with industry and conducted face to face interviews with individuals aged 15-50 to identify the opportunities, challenges and approach required to establish a university presence in the City of Playford. The research provides the following key insights: • • Culture and community • sentiment • • • Barriers to university entry
• Areas of academic interest
• •
Market demand
• • • •
Key success factors
• •
There is a high level of appeal and aspiration within the community for tertiary education and a real desire to break the cycle of low university attainment. Low achievement is often perceived due to the absence of certain privileges and circumstances, which are afforded to other areas in South Australia. A university presence will frame the area as being worthy, which is desired by the community. Exposure leads to potential, possibility and belief in pursuing opportunities. The community needs greater access to education opportunities to change the circumstances for many in the area. The greatest barrier to university entry identified was affordability followed by distance to travel to campus. Other barriers recognised were: o Difficulty reaching the required Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, o Lack of school support encouraging university application, Social stigmas, studying at a tertiary level is less common as a family pathway, o Psychological barriers such as the struggle with leaving their community, unknown expectations and a lack of understanding towards higher education pathways and the university experience, and a campus in the city is seen as being intimidating, o Lack of access to transport, and complexities within a diverse community, exemplified through stories of struggle creating further barriers to attainment of a university education. The top five areas of academic interest identified are Health and Medical Science, Community Services, Education and Languages, Business and Marketing, and Art and Design. Foundation courses are essential to create small steps and bridge the gap of attainability and confidence. The market survey estimates approximately 12,000 students aged between 15-50 would consider studying at a university campus in Playford. The region is projected to grow by 36% by 2036. This would see a potential student cohort of approximately 16,500 students by 2036. Commitment to the community long term, through a physical location with high visibility and profile offering a hub, connectivity and a place to go. Strengthen connection with schools early in the education pathway, to help demystify university. Partnerships with industry will be important to increase young people’s exposure to the job market, build skills and credits while studying and demystify what university and employment opportunities are. Connections with employers creates a stronger association with possible job outcomes. Workplace experience, through study and special programs for mentorship and internship strengthens the idea of being ‘job ready’. Success will ultimately be achieved through industry backing, job ready graduates, access to funding or scholarships and supporting diversity and inclusion. page 6
Strategic location The City of Playford, specifically the Elizabeth CBD, is uniquely positioned for the expansion of the university sector in Greater Adelaide and holds a unique and strategic geographic position in northern Adelaide and as a central destination and catchment for the State’s mid north.
*Playford catchment area
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Population growth and regional catchment The City of Playford stands out as one of Australia’s fastest-growing areas, currently boasting a population of 105,000, with projections indicating an increase to over 150,000 by 2041. This surge in population gives rise to a substantial market demand, presenting a strategic business opportunity for the development of university study hub. The table below illustrates the population growth between 2016 to 2036 within the potential catchment area for a Hub. University Study Hub catchment Council
% Increase
New residents
Total population
City of Playford
44
39,500
132,000
Town of Gawler
60
13,900
37,000
Adelaide Plains
11
1,000
9,900
Light Regional Council
28
4,200
19,300
The Barossa Council
17
4,200
28,400
City of Salisbury
11
15,750
156,100
Total
78,550
382,700
*Projected populations based on South Australian government population forecasts.
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New residential growth in the region The City of Playford is set to experience continued strong residential growth over the next 30 years. A significant number of new master planned communities, all in various stages of development, are located across the region at Angle Vale, Munno Para, Virginia, Penfield and Riverlea Park. Riverlea residential development is South Australia’s largest land development, with an expected population of up to 40,000 people. It is unreasonable to establish a new community of this size without ready access to tertiary education. Importantly, this growth across the wider northern area extends well beyond the City of Playford, as the northern metropolitan area responds to an unprecedented wave of investment in growth industries and major supporting infrastructure. At the geographic centre of these broader growth areas, is Elizabeth CBD. When viewing the true catchment area for the City of Playford, the population is forecast to expand by over 60,000 residents over the next 20 years, all within a 15km radius of the Elizabeth CBD.
*map highlighting current master planned communities page 9
Public transport connectivity The City of Playford has an efficient mode of public transport connectivity, with Adelaide Metro offering a variety of rail and bus options. The recent electrification and modernisation of the Gawler rial line delivers a faster, cleaner and more reliable service providing an electrified network through Adelaide from Gawler to Seaford. The Elizabeth CBD functions as a major high frequency multi-mode transit hub, with the Elizabeth Train Station within a short walk of the development sites.
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Alternative University Study Hub sites The future population growth of the City and councils north of Playford, low cost of housing, telecommunication and transport infrastructure, and broad-based industry sector, positions the City of Playford as an ideal location for a University Study Hub. Aside from the Education Precinct, there are various potential sites to house a University Study Hub in the City of Playford and a variety of accommodation options, including leasing, site purchase, new builds or retrofit of existing buildings. Playford Civic Centre Established community building with flexible meeting and function spaces, housing public library and Shedley Theatre that can be utilised for lectures. Tailored leasing options. National developer Pelligra Group will develop two sites within the Elizabeth CBD, a Playford Innovation Hub and a Sports Entertainment Venue. The Playford Innovation Hub is an alternative site for a University Study Hub. Up to eight storeys, the Playford Innovation Hub will offer space for entrepreneurial start-ups, high growth companies and accelerator programs. This development is in early design stages, and there is an opportunity for tailored fit out. Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct involves the clustering and expansion of the health and medical facilities currently located around the Lyell McEwin Hospital. It will encompass allied health and retail services. Nestled amongst key transport corridors the precinct has the capability to house a University Study Hub. Stretton Centre Established commercial building purpose-built for collaboration and innovation, providing functional and flexible spaces that are designed and fitted out to support innovative outcomes. This GigCity site, houses a public library and offers tailored leasing options. The City of Playford is keen to collaborate with partners to support identifying an appropriate site. Now is the time to invest in education to provide equitable access to university for the people north of Adelaide. Providing opportunities to gain academic qualifications will improve individuals’ wellbeing and job prospects and create the workforce of the future. We welcome the opportunity to work together to discuss partnership opportunities to progress the establishment of a University Study Hub in the City of Playford.
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