The City of Playford is a local government area of South Australia in Adelaide's northern suburbs. The name 'Playford' comes from the recognition of Sir Thomas Playford, who played a part in the development of the area, and was South Australia's premier from 1938-1965. The City covers an area of 346 km2, and is home to approximately 88,000 residents. Playford is the fastest growing local government area in South Australia. As of 2016 the city motto is: "a great place to live, work and play".
Maps, Directions, and Place Reviews
Council
The current council as of June 2016 is:
History
Origins
The city was formed in 1997 through the merger of the City of Elizabeth and the City of Munno Para, which were formed in 1955 and 1988, respectively. Prior to the 1950s, most of the area surrounding the townships of Munno Para and Elizabeth were farming estates. After the end of the Second World War and the accompanying shortage of materials, the state government decided that South Australia needed to grow and become an industrialized state. A "satellite city" was planned for the Elizabeth area, and the South Australian Housing Trust initiated a housing development programme in the area, with a purchase of 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) of land. The City of Elizabeth was formed on 16 November 1955, being named after Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the city in 1963.
1997 to 2010
The first mayor of the City of Playford was Marilyn Baker, who had been the last mayor of the City of Elizabeth. She continued to hold that role until the 2006 council elections, when she was narrowly defeated by Martin Lindsell, the last mayor of the City of Munno Para.
Since 1997, the council has planned and built a number of new housing developments aimed at attracting young working couples and families in an attempt to rejuvenate the area. A new Civic Centre including council chambers, library, theatre and function centre has been built. Other notable developments are the new library in Smithfield, and the revamp of the Elizabeth shopping centre, including an 8-screen cinema complex.
In 2003 was announced that A$1 billion would be allocated to rejuvenate the Peachey Belt. Known as the Playford North Urban Regeneration project, it is expected that the population of the area will increase from 13,000 residents to 30,000 in 15 years and will involve the demolition of most Housing SA homes. the project has since been renamed "Playford Alive".
"As part of the 30 year Plan for greater Adelaide, significant growth and investment is pouring into Playford from business. Rapidly increasing employment coupled with new land releases has driven population growth and improved living standards."
2010 to present
Mayor Martin Lindsell was defeated in the 2010 local council election by Glenn Docherty, the council's youngst ever mayor.
The council elected in 2010 started the creation of Playford Health Precinct around the Lyell McEwin Hospital.
The SCT Logistics Rail Freight Terminal, opened in January 2011 provided for goods and services to be transported by road and rail more efficiently and quickly. Playford is to become the logistical and advanced distribution capital of South Australia.
The A$750 million expansion within the RAAF Base Edinburgh, including facilities for 7th RAR (Mechanized Army Battalion), was largely completed in 2011.
As of 2010 the council has been involved in discussions regarding expansion of the Elizabeth City Centre (the major shopping precinct in Playford) on to 30-40 hectares (74-99 acres) of land to the west of the train line.
As of 2011 the Playford council is working with the South Australian government to release 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of industrial land in the greater Edinburgh Parks region, with the intention of attracting and supporting 38,000 jobs in the northern part of Adelaide.
In 2011, Mayor Docherty stated he aimed to make Elizabeth the second central business district of Adelaide. He envisaged a movement away from low density commercial and "quarter-acre block" housing to multiple storey mixed use commercial and residential developments in Elizabeth and other central parts of the council area.
In April 2013 the council announced its 2043 Playford Community Vision.
From 2012 to 2015 the council partered with the University of Adelaide to launch the Stretton Centre, a physical home in Playford for research into regional innovation. Its "anchor tenant" is the Adelaide University's Australian Workplace Innovation & Social Research Centre (WISeR). Platyford Council was assisted by a A$11.3 million grant from the Australian Government for the research centre. The Stretton Centre includes the Stretton Research Centre (occupied by WISeR), the (new) community library, public and private community meeting spaces and the Innovation Design Lab, which is to showcase new innovations and technologies in relevant to the community.
Docherty was re-elected unopposed to continue as mayor in the 2014 local government elections.
Royal visits
The City of Playford (and its predecessor, the City of Elizabeth) has had a number of visits by members of the Royal Family:
- 1963 visit by Queen Elizabeth II
- 1977 visit by Queen Elizabeth II
- 1986 visit by Duke of Edinburgh
- April 2014 visit by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Suburbs
Sports teams
The City of Playford is home to several sports teams, including:
- Central District Football Club (Australian rules football - South Australian National Football League (SANFL))
- Playford City Patriots (Association football/soccer - FFSA South Australian Premier League)
- Playford Aquatic Club, Elizabeth
Parks and recreation services
Fremont Park recreation and leisure facilities are located near the Elizabeth City Centre. The park features a large lake with fountain and waterfalls. It also features a rotunda for band performances, and two playgrounds. The Park also contains an adult fitness gym, and is the host venue for many community events, including Australia Day celebrations, School Holiday programs, weddings, and other private functions.
The Aquadome is the largest swimming centre in northern Adelaide. Included in this multi-purpose facility are a 50m pool, a beach entry leisure pool, cafe, a creche, outdoor pinic areas, a large carpark, and easy access to bus and rail transport. The Health Club, opened in 2009, contains a modern gym and fitness centre.
The North Lakes Golf Course, opened in 1993, is located in Munno Para West, measures 5730m for 18 holes, and is par 70.
Located on Blackburn Road, Hillbank is a major regional park. It has tennis court and basketball court ( also lit at night), playground, bbqs, shelter sheds and walking trails. Has a sealed carpark which is open from dawn till dusk.
Stebonheath Park, Jo Gapper Park, Jubliee Park and the Munno Para Wetlands are other public green spaces in the City of Playford.
Library service
Playford library is split across two locations: Elizabeth and Munno Para.
Youth services
Playford Council has the highest number of young people per population count than any other council in South Australia. Young people have a number of services and activities supported by the council such as:
- Northern Sound System -- a dedicated youth centre which allows young people to learn, create and develop their musical talents
- Playford Youth Advisory Committee -- a body intended to be the voice of young people aged 12 to 25 in the Playford Region meeting fortnightly at the Northern Sound System.
- Jibba Jabba Radio -- a youth development program which gives young people in Playford the opportunity to produce and broadcast a youth radio program on Adelaide's PBA FM radio station.
Waste management and recycling
Garbage, recycling, and green waste collection services are provided by the Northern Adelaide Waste Management Authority.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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