The City of Onkaparinga Council met on Tuesday 15 September – below are some of the key outcomes.
Willunga RV park a step closer
A low-cost, short-stay recreational vehicle (RV) park in Willunga is a step closer, after Council resolved to reclassify land at Pear Tree Paddock (allotment 27, Main Road) and lease it to Willunga Recreation Park Incorporated (WRPI).
The decision follows community engagement, in which the majority of respondents were in support.
Council was satisfied that concerns raised during engagement – such as road safety, environmental impacts and noise pollution – can be carefully managed and mitigated.
WRPI will be granted a 6-month trial lease, which could be extended to 12 months if it meets key performance and compliance measures. A further lease term of up to 4 years can be negotiated if the trial is successful.
The proposal aims to address a gap in affordable accommodation for RV travellers visiting Willunga, supporting local tourism and visitor spending.
Plans for land parcels
The council plans to sell a small portion of community land at Woodlea Drive, Aberfoyle Park, after the local government minister approved a request to revoke its community land classification.
The adjoining landowner asked to buy the 145m2 land portion, which is surplus to council requirements.
Council is also kickstarting the land revocation process for 2 other surplus land parcels – in Rialto Street, Morphett Vale; and Margaret Street, Port Noarlunga – with community engagement to start later this month.
Net proceeds from any sales – at current market value – contribute to the City of Onkaparinga’s annual $3 million revenue target for disposing of surplus assets, as outlined in the council’s Long Term Financial Plan.
Any amount above this target is placed in a Future Investment Reserve, which will be used for future investment opportunities. The funds also help reduce borrowings and interest costs while in the reserve.
The council aims to manage its land and assets in a way that delivers the greatest benefit to the community, supports long-term financial sustainability, and aligns with long-term plans.
New roadmap for urban greening and biodiversity
A new roadmap has been developed to strengthen urban greening and biodiversity outcomes across council reserves and natural areas.
While the council has a strong foundation of urban greening and biodiversity programs, policies and investment, the roadmap identifies 9 opportunities to strengthen outcomes through a more coordinated and targeted approach.
Urban greening includes all trees, vegetation (such as shrubs) and grass; while biodiversity refers to the variety of native plants, animals, fungi and other living organisms, the genetic diversity within species, and the ecosystems they form.
Christmas Lights Competition returns
A City of Onkaparinga Christmas Lights Competition will return in 2026 after a notice of motion from Thalassa Ward Councillor, Geoff Eaton.
Stay tuned to the council website and Facebook page for details as Christmas draws nearer, and to see the online Christmas lights display map, which is published every year (and don’t forget the City of Onkaparinga Christmas Pageant is coming up on Sunday 22 November!).
More information
As always, you can delve further into meeting outcomes via the agenda, full meeting recording and the minutes at onkaparingacity.com on Thursday.
The council is preparing for the introduction of livestreaming of its ordinary and special Council meetings with the date to be determined.
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.