The City of Onkaparinga Council met on Tuesday 19 May – below are some of the key outcomes.
Strategic land use and asset management
Council continues to actively review how its land is used, including through these 2 reports.
Pear Tree Paddock, Willunga
A portion of council-owned community vacant land at Main Road, Willunga – locally known as Pear Tree Paddock – could become a recreational vehicle (RV) park after an expression of interest (EOI) process.
The process was prompted by Willunga Recreation Park Volunteers, who want to establish a low-cost, short-stay RV park catering to fully self-contained motorhomes and caravans.
The proposal responds to increased post-COVID visitation trends and identified gaps in short-term RV accommodation in the region, and seeks to boost local economic activity without directly competing with established caravan parks.
Willunga Recreation Park Volunteers were the preferred proponent from the EOI process.
There are still a few steps involved to make the idea a reality – including relevant planning approvals, community engagement, and the development of a governance and management framework – before any lease was entered into with the group.
Proposed land revocation – Hopkins Court, Woodcroft
The council will start a process to revoke the community land classification for a portion of council-owned land at Woodcroft’s Hopkins Court, which would allow it to be sold to the adjoining landowner.
The approximately 1,557m² portion of land is considered surplus to council requirements, but Council previously resolved not to sell it after community engagement last year raised concerns about issues such as open space.
Owners of the neighbouring retirement village, however, have since proposed to buy the land and develop it as a shared recreational space to benefit both the village residents and broader community.
The council will seek community feedback on the new proposal, with a subsequent report back to Council on whether to continue pursuing its sale.
Proceeds from any sale would help improve the council’s financial position.
A related Acquisition and Disposal of Land and Other Assets Policy was also approved to provide clear guidance on the use of funds from the sale of council land.
The policy describes how funds received above the council’s annual revenue target could be directed to a strategic investment reserve that would also help reduce council debt.
A Future Investment Strategy will be presented to Council for consideration in August 2026.
Strengthening community wellbeing and connection
Several items decided on Tuesday aim to build a more connected, equitable and vibrant community.
The City of Onkaparinga has a new Reconciliation Action Plan or RAP. RAPs are a framework by Reconciliation Australia that guide how organisations embed reconciliation in their everyday work.
The council delivered its first RAP (Reflect) between 2022–2024, which focused on learning, listening and building strong foundations.
The new Innovate RAP 2026–28 outlines how the council will translate its reconciliation commitments into practical, accountable actions that strengthen relationships, deepen respect, and create meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The council is now seeking community feedback on its draft Community Capacity and Connection Strategy 2026–31.
The draft strategy provides guidance for the council’s work on strengthening community connections and networks, improving social equity, encouraging healthy active lifestyles, fostering cultural and creative expression, and supporting access to information and technology, to enhance wellbeing and improve quality of life.
Supporting community-led initiatives and local impact
A range of initiatives that deliver lasting social, cultural and environmental benefits; and programs and events that strengthen community connection and regional vibrancy will receive funding for the next 3 years.
Council approved funding for 16 applicants through the triennial Partnerships Program – part of the revised Onkaparinga Grants Program that launched in July 2025.
The successful initiatives, programs and events will receive a combined $551,019, and they span everything from animal rescue, food security, reconciliation, domestic and family violence, and art; through to film, folk music, much-loved festivals, LGBTQIA+ social connectedness, and more.
Grants are an important way the council supports community-led initiatives that deliver local and strategic outcomes for Onkaparinga, with relatively modest investment generating meaningful social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits.
More information
As always, you can delve further into meeting outcomes – which in May includes other topics such as council rebates, quarterly finances and confidential reports – via the agenda, full meeting recording and the minutes at onkaparingacity.com on Thursday.
Onkaparinga Now’s Council meeting updates are published following ordinary – and some special – Council meetings, providing a broad overview of some of the key outcomes. Not all Council decisions will be mentioned each month due to the size and scope of the meeting agendas.
You can find information on registering your interest to attend Council meetings, and how to raise concerns about issues in your area via petitions and deputations, at the council’s website.