Adelaide Political Landscape Heats Up with Council Decisions and Election Campaigns

City Council Moves Forward on Park Lands and Wellbeing Strategy

Following the Adelaide City Council meeting held Tuesday evening, local officials are today reviewing several key decisions that will shape the city's governance and community services in the coming months. A primary focus of the session was the nomination of a new Council-appointed member to the Kadaltilla / Adelaide Park Lands Authority. This appointment is seen as critical for the ongoing management of the city’s unique heritage-listed green belt as it prepares for several major events later in the year.

Additionally, the Council advanced the Draft Community Wellbeing Strategy. Following extensive stakeholder workshops, the Chief Executive Officer has been authorized to implement technical amendments to the strategy. The plan aims to enhance social cohesion and public health across the CBD, specifically targeting improved accessibility and community support programs for 2026.

Adelaide Hills Mayoral Election Count Reaches Final Stages

Political attention today also shifts to the Adelaide Hills Council as the counting of votes for the supplementary mayoral election concludes. Voting closed at 12:00 pm on Monday, February 9, and the Electoral Commission of South Australia is expected to finalize the result today. The three candidates vying for the top job are:

• Nathan Daniell: The current Deputy Mayor, focusing on financial sustainability and disaster preparedness.
• Andrew Mark Stratford: A former councillor and business leader advocating for practical leadership.
• Georgia McDonnell: A small business owner and community volunteer emphasizing heritage protection.

The election was triggered by the resignation of former mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom, and the winner will lead the hills community through the remainder of the 2026 term.

State Election Campaign Intensifies

With the South Australian state election scheduled for March 21, 2026, the campaign reached a new level of intensity this Wednesday. Premier Peter Malinauskas and Liberal Leader Ashton Hurn continue to trade policy announcements. Following the official Liberal launch last weekend, Hurn is today highlighting the party's proposed $15,000 stamp duty discount for homeowners looking to downsize.

Meanwhile, the Premier has utilized the momentum of the 2026 Adelaide Grand Final to announce that pre-sales for the headline Sunday concert, featuring Guns N' Roses, begin today. Amid the entertainment news, the government remains under pressure as Senate Additional Estimates continue in Canberra, where South Australian representatives are advocating for increased federal funding in public health and education for the state.