Sustainable Playford

Recycling, solar panels and how to reduce our carbon footprint is often what comes to mind when we think about sustainability. While environmental sustainability is a big focus for Council, we are committed to a sustainable future by managing our finances, infrastructure projects and social connections in a responsible way.

Financial sustainability

Being financially sustainable means Council can fund the services it provides our community, responsibly manage debt, respond to the needs of the community and set it up for future success.

Developed in 2017/18, the City of Playford’s Finance Strategy marked a change in focus to long-term, sustainable economic thinking.

A strong commitment to the strategy has resulted in a solid financial performance. Council has achieved operating surplus for the past four years, while keeping rate rises to the community below inflation over the term.

Small but sustainable

Putting food waste in the green bin is a habit we can all form, according to avid gardener May Weibel.

May, from Elizabeth, who has been gardening and composting for over 20 years, said everyone has the power to change.

“I think people can give it a go and see, not only is it good to do it is easy. It’s just about making that change, getting the right information and using the green bin for food scraps. Once you start it’s easy to keep going,” said May. May contributes to the community garden at The Precinct and knows how composting is vital for vegetable production.

We have also managed to reduce debt, while continuing to invest in assets to meet the social and physical needs of the community, such as investment in playgrounds and reserves, roads, footpaths and stormwater infrastructure.

“I use my food scraps for compost and that goes on my garden bed. Growing vegetables is so good you – they are tastier and so much better, but even if you don’t have time to garden, it is easy to separate your food scraps and just put them in the green bin.”

May said the benefit to responsibly handling your food waste goes beyond your household.

“Since I started 23 years ago, people are more interested in how to manage food waste these days because more people are taking notice of the environment.

“If people change, then the world will change, and composting is something that we can all do to make a difference.”

Social sustainability

At the heart of Playford is its people. Council supports young people with a range of programs available through its creative youth hub, Northern Sound System (NSS) such as music development, gaming and podcasting. Families and kids can connect to activities and programs available at the JMC, Wellbeing Hub and Playford Libraries.

The Grenville Hub remains a constant in the lives of our older generations. For the past 40 years, it has provided a sense of social connection and belonging to its members. The staff and volunteers manage a variety of services including fitness, social and creative programs that help people live long and sustainable lives.

Council continues to invest and support social initiatives and events such as Positive Futures, Celebration of Ability, and major civic events including the Playford Community Carols, Australia Day Breakfast and ANZAC Day commemorations.

A strong focus on improving and maintaining our outdoor spaces remains pivotal to Council’s long-term goals and we are working to ensure they are kept to a high standard for today’s and future generations to enjoy.

City sustainability

Council plans and builds the critical infrastructure needed not just for today, but for generations to come.

Our growing population places increased demand on our city, and the infrastructure we build now needs to be future-proofed to cater for the thousands of new residents who will call Playford home.

As our urban footprint expands in areas like Riverlea, Virgina, Angle Vale and Munno Para West, Council is supporting growth by working to deliver stormwater infrastructure, roads, footpaths, recreation facilities, playgrounds and community services.

This year we will see upgrades to Stebonheath Road, detailed design work to improve the intersection of Curtis and Andrews Roads, traffic analysis of Curtis Road to help determine future upgrades, the revitalization of the Virginia Main Street and stormwater, footpath and road upgrades right across the city.

Under construction

Stebonheath Road, Munno Para

Council is upgrading Stebonheath Road, between Curtis and Fradd East Roads. The project involves a complex upgrade from rural road to urban collector standard and includes a new carriageway, bike lanes, roundabouts, lighting and footpaths. The upgrade is expected to be completed in winter 2023.

Virginia Main Street

The upgrade of Virginia Main Street is also expected to be completed this winter. There is currently a high level of activity on site, with the construction of stormwater, kerbing, and paving along the main street, as well as the installation of play equipment and pedestrian paths at Virginia Institute Park.

Andrews Road, Penfield

Council is currently planning the upgrade of stormwater infrastructure along Andrews Road to address flooding problems by installing new drainage solutions.

Peachey and Curtis Roads intersection, Munno Para

Council recently completed an upgrade to the intersection of Peachey and Curtis Roads, with new lighting and an extension of the right-hand turning lane to improve safety at the site.

Park Road, Virginia

Council is currently planning the upgrade to the Park Road drainage system to assist in managing water flows in Virginia during Gawler River flood events.