With extensive experience from the Victorian restructure process, Tim Jackson was appointed Chief Executive Officer in February last year. Originally filling this position for the two former Councils, he has overseen the transition process and the first important year of the new Council.
“As a larger entity, the organisation has an improved capacity to plan for and advocate on behalf of the community,” Tim Jackson said. “Moreover, the amalgamation has provided the opportunity to review everything we do, removing the blockages that are often present in a static organisation.”
Tim believes a competitive organisation, delivering value for money, demands ongoing community consultation and high levels of accountability.
“Community consultation is an important element in the development of our Strategic Plan 2010,” he said. “This Plan will shape our future. It will be underpinned by our Corporate Plan containing action plans linked back to the budget process.”
Tim believes that the amalgamation has enabled Council to build on its strengths and professional capacities, while at the same time being better placed to recruit specialist staff.
“It is also a great opportunity to improve customer service by being certain we are meeting community needs and high levels of expectation,” he added. “We need to build on Playford’s many strengths, particularly promoting economic development and new jobs.”
The Elizabeth City Centre is the largest regional shopping centre in Adelaide’s north. Opportunities to build on this asset, particularly by encouraging complementary services such as government offices, abound.
Playford’s largest employer is Holden. With a workforce of around 4,500, Council is keen to promote additional motor vehicle supply industries moving into the area. Horticulture is also a key industry, with market gardens thriving on the fertile coastal plains.
Playford’s close proximity to Adelaide provides huge opportunities to cash in on Australia’s ‘clean and green’ image through overseas markets.
“Located on Adelaide’s fringe, we provide a diversity of housing and lifestyle choices,” Tim said. “As the gateway to the Barossa Valley, the hills are a very attractive place to live, offering rural residential opportunities. Our urban areas provide a full range of services, with Council keen to promote affordable housing choices through existing and new developments.
“Council is planning for a steady urban growth, meeting both infrastructure and service needs, as well as promoting economic activity to deliver a secure and prosperous future.”
