City of Playford Council is inviting residents to help shape its future, by sharing their views on whether a change of arrangements is required in respect to Council’s elector representation.
Council’s current composition is made up of five wards, with a popularly-elected mayor and 15 councillors.
The Representation Review is examining this make-up, taking into account factors such as demographic trends, population projections and communities of interest, said Mayor Glenn Docherty.
“Council has been reviewing data including population growth figures and projections and has developed a proposed composition of representation for our community to consider,” Mayor Docherty said.
“Importantly, however, a final decision will only be made after we’ve had input from our community, which is vital in shaping the future of Council.”
The in-principle composition that was endorsed by Council for community feedback includes a reduction in councillors from 15 to 12 and a reduction in wards from five to four, including the redistribution of ward boundaries.
The principal member of Council will remain as a Mayor who is elected by the community.
“We want to hear from our residents about how they feel they are represented in our local government,” the Mayor said.
“Our priority is to ensure that our structure remains fair and equitable, so appropriate representation is afforded to all Playford residents.”
While Playford’s population continues to rapidly grow, the proposed reduction in elected member numbers is being considered following local government reforms, instituted by the State Government, which has stipulated a 13-member cap across South Australian councils, he said.
“Council has developed a comprehensive Representation Report for the community to review.”
“It details how we reached the in-principle composition that meets the new specifications outlined by the State Government, yet remains fair and equitable while considering the growth projections of our city.
“I encourage our community to read the report to better understand the structure and how you will be represented into the future.”
