Media Releases

Spendmapp data shows spending in March 2026 was $168m, attributing $31m to residents of the City, $130m to other South Australians, and $7m to interstate visitors.

Between March 2024 and March 2026, consumer spending in the Council area increased by 12% compared to 8.6% for the metro area and almost three times the inflation rate of 4.5% during that period.

Mayor Robert Bria says the diverse business mix in the Council area, which includes several key sectors such as retail, dining, services, health and education, is contributing to the increase.

“We have a great economic story to tell and the Spendmapp data demonstrates our local business sector is more than holding its own despite recent rate increases and the pressure on inflation,” says Mayor Bria.

The March data also reveals females over 65 years represent the highest spending demographic, spending $21.2m in March 2026.

“What we are seeing is growth in spending in different demographics, which is pleasing because it demonstrates our City has broad appeal across all age groups.

“Time will tell whether this is a one-off or whether women aged 65 and over are emerging as a new force in the local economy and what we need to do to leverage off this shift to optimise their spending habits.”

Key statistics for the period March 2025 to March 2026:

• 19.1% increase in discretionary spend
• 14% increase in specialised and luxury goods spend
• 10% increase in supermarkets and groceries spend
• 8% increase in dining spend.

Mayor Bria says the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters continues to benefit from spending of people living in the Campbelltown and Burnside council areas, with the top five suburbs being: Magill ($4.5m), Athelstone ($2.6m), Rostrevor ($2.6m), Campbelltown ($2.6m) and Kensington Park ($2.3m).

“We know consumers are prepared to travel reasonable distances to shop, dine and do business in our City, so the challenge is to continue to enhance their experience when they get here to increase the number of return visitations."

Mayor Bria says the Council is looking forward to seeing the April 2027 Spendmapp data when it’s released, which will include activity for the AFL Gather Round weekend.

“Understandably, the Council is expecting a spike in spending due to the AFL Gather Round activity, particularly in the dining and retail sectors.

“Dining is one sector that continues to show signs of strain so the football festival could not have come at a better time."

At its meeting held on 7 April 2026, the Council resolved to increase funding for the program from $7,000 per annum to $10,000, to enable more local young people to access small grants.

The program supports young people aged 10–18 who live in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters to represent South Australia in national or international competitions or events, or participate in an approved development program.

Since the Young Achievers Program started in December 2024, more than $100,000 has been disbursed to more than 300 young people living in the Council area.

Mayor Robert Bria, who proposed the increase, says the extra funding means the Council, “Can now help more local young people live their dreams”.

“It may only be a grant of few hundred dollars but in some cases it’s the difference between a young person being able to participate in an event or program or missing out on the opportunity altogether.”

“This is a small investment with a big impact of the lives of our future leaders,” Mayor Bria adds.

One of the many beneficiaries of the Young Achievers Program is Ben Holliday.

At age six, Ben started driving karts, by age seven he was racing in competitions and by the time he turned eight he came second in his first national championship. 

After nearly ten years of driving karts, Ben, now 18, graduated to cars, participating in his first car race at just 16.

Along the way he has received a Young Achievers Grant from the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters on three occasions, which has helped to meet the costs of racing here in South Australia and further afield.

“Building a career in motorsport comes at a significant financial cost — it’s an expensive sport to be involved in,” says Ben, of St Peters.

“Every dollar makes a difference and the Young Achiever grants from the Council have helped me to continue developing and setting new goals as a sportsperson.”

Also a first year mechanical engineering student, Ben says the support he has received through the Council’s Young Achievers Program is humbling. 

“It’s nice knowing that I’m being supported by the community I live in. This support helps me fund a range of competition costs from entry fees and travel through to fuel and tyres.

“I’m grateful for the support of the Council and my community and recognise that its been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals.”

For more information, visit: Young Achievers Program 

“The Council is very proud of the redevelopment of St Morris Reserve, which was delivered as part of Stage 4 of the $20 million Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade,” says Mayor Robert Bria.

“The transformation of the reserve is nothing short of amazing and is another example of the Council’s ongoing commitment to providing quality infrastructure across the City that meets the social and cultural needs of our community whilst also addressing an important environmental imperative.”

A contemporary play space and social hub

At the heart of the upgrade is a brand-new playground, replacing equipment that was well and truly at the end of its useful life.

The new playground includes multi-age equipment and integrated shade sails for sun-safe play. Families can also enjoy a dedicated picnic shelter, BBQ facilities, accessible toilet facilities and improved park furniture, all connected by a network of accessible paths.

Active recreation and greener landscapes

For those seeking an active leisure lifestyle, the reserve now features a multi-purpose court and a dedicated hit wall for basketball and other activities.

The reserve has been revitalised with extensive irrigation and landscaping, including new trees, shrubs and water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) elements such as a landscaped swale which collects stormwater runoff and serves as natural irrigation.

While the redevelopment of the reserve required the removal of some trees within the basin area, 148 new trees have been planted which will significantly enhance the local tree canopy cover and create a greener, cooler space and neighbourhood.

Dogs can continue to enjoy St Morris Reserve with off-leash times remaining between 5pm and 8am, seven days per week.

Building a resilient city

The redevelopment of St Morris Reserve is a cornerstone of the broader Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade project, a $20 million investment designed to reduce flooding risks across the suburbs of St Morris, Trinity Gardens, Maylands and Stepney.

Stage 4 of the Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade involved the installation of new pipes and pits within the roadway of surrounding streets such as Glynburn Road, Third Avenue, Green Street, Seventh Avenue and Gage Street.

A vital part of this essential upgrade of the City’s stormwater infrastructure has been the construction of an open detention basin within the reserve, creating a dual purpose for the site.

This basin has been engineered to increase capacity of stormwater drainage infrastructure during one-in-100-year storm events—that is, a severe storm or flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year.

With more frequent intense rain events occurring throughout the year, there is a need to improve the capacity of the City’s stormwater drainage system.

During such an event, the basin is designed to fill over approximately three hours and hold water for up to eight hours before slowly discharging it back into the stormwater system. Outside of these rare major events, the basin remains a grassed, open green space for the community to enjoy.

Delivering the redevelopment of St Morris Reserve and Stage 4 of the Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade involved significant engineering hurdles, including integration of new infrastructure into existing networks and managing major earthworks within narrow residential streets. Careful planning was undertaken to minimise—as much as possible and practicable—disruption to local residents during the construction phase.

Informed by the community

The redevelopment of St Morris Reserve was informed by the community with more than 150 submissions received during the consultation in early 2023. The final design incorporated suggestions offered during the consultation to ensure the new reserve meets expectations of the local community.

Two tiers of government partnering for community

The broader $20 million project represents a landmark investment by the Council in the City’s infrastructure to reduce the risk and impacts of flooding and is supported by approximately $9.9 million from the Federal Government’s Preparing Australian Communities Local Stream Program. This funding has enabled the completion of all four phases of the Trinity Valley project, with the final stage of construction anticipated to commence in Maylands and Stepney this year.

Mayor Robert Bria acknowledges the support of the community in the delivery of the St Morris Reserve Upgrade.

“The St Morris community and residents from nearby suburbs deserve a facility of this standard and the Council thanks them sincerely for their patience and understanding during the construction phase.”

Join us for the official opening of St Morris Reserve!

To celebrate the transformation of this much-loved local space, the community is invited to join us for an official opening celebration:

Sunday 8 February 
11am – 1pm
Seventh Avenue, St Morris

Hear from Mayor Robert Bria, enjoy a barbecue, coffee, sweet treats and entertainment. And explore the new playground!

 Find out more: Major Projects

Community spirit will be strong on St Peters Street as locals and visitors come together to welcome our 40 new citizens.

Each of the citizenship candidates will take the Oath of Allegiance or the Affirmation of Allegiance in front of their families, friends and welcomed guests.

Mayor Bria shares reflections on the importance of Australia Day as a time to come together as a community.

“Each Australia Day, our community has the honour of celebrating a Citizenship Ceremony and bestowing Australia Day Awards on those who help make our City and community one of the best places to live, work, visit and play,” says Mayor Bria.

“I encourage everyone from across our community to join us on Australia Day as we warmly welcome our new citizens and celebrate the diversity of culture, experiences, knowledge and compassion they will share with us.

“It’s also an ideal opportunity to meet and connect with neighbours, make new friends and discover new ways of giving back to your community by drawing inspiration from the Australia Day Award recipients.”

The celebrations will open with announcement of our Citizen of the Year Award recipients as we proudly recognise individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to our community through their dedication, generosity and service.

Their efforts remind us that it is everyday acts of care, leadership and connection that strengthen our City and inspire us all.

We’re proud to host events that bring people together and create meaningful moments of connection.

Join us this Australia Day and reflect, respect and celebrate together on St Peters Street.

Monday 26 January
9.30am — 11am
St Peters Street, St Peters

For more information, visit: Australia Day 2026 

Guests enjoyed wine and finger food while taking advantage of the opportunity to network, share stories about the year that’s been and discuss opportunities for future collaboration.

“These bi-annual business networking events are a great way for the Council to engage directly with local businesses in an informal setting,” says Mayor Robert Bria.

“Elected Members and staff appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of local businesses and hear their success stories.

“These events are also a great way to recognise their milestones through the presentation of the Mayor’s Commendation Awards.”

Businesses celebrated with a Mayor’s Commendation Award were:

• Barbara Jayne Dance Centre (50 years)
• Big Star CD’s & Records (25 years)
• Theatre Bugs (25 years)
• Wealth Transfer (25 years)
• Zhav International (25 years)
• 1645 Roasters (10 years)
• Amadio Wines (10 years)
• Blackeby’s Sweets (10 years)
• Essential Chinese Massage (10 years)

In his remarks to guests Mayor Bria identified a number of highlights for 2025 for the local business community, including:

• City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters reaching almost $2 billion in consumer spending for the first time ever (2024–2025).
• Hosting the eigth Raising the Bar event with 923 patrons at 10 bars, hotels and pubs.
• Successfully delivering of the eighth Eastside Business Awards with 9,265 votes cast.
• For 15 consecutive months since August 2024, we were the number 1 Council in Australia for the lowest risk of business failure.
• 2025 AFL Gather Round saw $4.6 spent on hospitality in the City, including $1.2m from interstate visitors.
• 153 business owners participating in the Eastern Business Advisory initiative, including 44 from the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.
• More than 200 business owners attending the bi-annual Business Networking Forums.
• Construction commencing on the upgrade of George Street, which is on track for completion in March 2026 and will deliver a safer, greener and more vibrant precinct.

Mayor Bria says he looks forward to the Council working closely with business owners in 2026 as it continues its progress towards the City’s next Business and Economic Development Strategy, which will replace the current strategy which expires in 2026.