Playford residents petition SA government over road congestion
More than 10,000 people have backed calls for road upgrades, while a council proposal to pause housing development was defeated.
A petition backed by more than 10,000 people is calling for the SA government to improve congested roads around Playford in Adelaide’s north, where residents say housing growth has outpaced transport infrastructure.
Organised by MacDonald Park resident Bronnie Coulter and tabled in state parliament by Sarah Game MLC, the petition has cross-party support and has been referred to a parliamentary committee to examine possible solutions and their feasibility.
Proposals include adding lanes to Curtis and Womma roads, widening Main North Road and providing additional Northern Expressway exit lanes. Residents also raised concerns that congestion could delay emergency services, especially during bushfire season.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show Playford’s population has risen from approximately 71,000 in 2006 to 116,000, with 184,000 projected by 2046. The council said forecasts indicated an average of 10 additional residents a day over the next 20 years.
A council motion seeking a pause on land releases and home approvals was defeated by five votes to seven. Mayor Glenn Docherty said Playford accounted for one in five new SA homes last year and that the council would continue pressing for infrastructure improvements.
Planning Minister Nick Champion acknowledged residents’ concerns but argued a development freeze would threaten jobs, restrict housing choices and reduce council rates available for roads. He said a new Curtis Road roundabout and train overpass, together worth A$280 million, would help relieve congestion.
