Page 14 - City Plan

The City of Port Adelaide Enfield is undergoing
population growth and change, including new residential
development and urban regeneration as well as normal
lifecycle changes within suburbs. This has short and long
term implications on the demand for and nature of local
facilities and services, housing affordability and community
connections. People in many of the older, more
established suburbs in Port Adelaide Enfield are ageing,
with median ages above metropolitan Adelaide.
Alongside established suburbs, relatively new suburbs
such as Northgate, Walkely Heights, Westwood and
New Port introduce a range of demographic and socio-
economic profiles resulting in emerging aspirations
and expectations. It is important that opportunities are
available for existing and new communities to integrate.
The City has long enjoyed a culturally diverse population
with significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and
migrant populations. The City of Port Adelaide Enfield
has the highest proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander persons in Metropolitan Adelaide and is the focus
for several centres for Aboriginal culture and education.
The Council area is also a key focal point for migrants
within all categories including refugee, skilled and family
reunion. The nature and needs of the migrant population
are changing as new and emerging groups, in particular
from the Middle East and Africa arriving under the refugee
program, move into the Council area. This can present
challenges as people become established, but it also
presents opportunities for ensuring that people are
engaged in the local community, and diversity that will
enrich community life is embraced.
There are a number of pockets of relatively high social
and economic disadvantage in the Council area
characterised by comparatively low individual and
household income, high proportions of public housing,
lower educational attainment, higher unemployment and
low vehicle ownership without adequate access
to public transport. The needs of these communities
require particular attention.
People’s capacity to access appropriate and affordable
housing is a growing issue in South Australia, particularly
for low to moderate income earners. The rising cost of
living, including the increasing cost of fuel and food are
also of growing concern, along with environmental issues
such as water restrictions and the need to reduce energy
consumption and household waste. These issues will have
significant impacts on the residents of the City of Port
Adelaide Enfield.
Participation in sport and other forms of physical activity
is decreasing and increasing levels of obesity, partly
caused by more sedentary lifestyles, presents implications
for health services both now and into the future. The
changing use and design of public spaces provides the
opportunity to upgrade areas that are no longer meeting
the needs of the community or encouraging physical
activity and community interaction.
The physical health of residents in the City is characterised
by incidences of a number of illnesses, such as cancer,
heart disease, obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, which are
higher than the metropolitan Adelaide average. The health
of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
in the area is of particular concern. Mental health issues
are also of concern, particularly for youth, the elderly and
migrants who may have suffered trauma in their country
of origin. Families and support agencies may often not be
able to fully meet the needs of people with mental health
issues and disabilities.
Council looks to partner with State and Federal
Government and community stakeholders to address
these concerns, to ensure all residents have equal
opportunities to access the same high quality of life
experienced by metropolitan Adelaide. There is the
potential to enhance existing partnerships and
alliances to address issues such as training
and employment, mental health and raising
cultural awareness.
A Vibrant and Resilient Community
14