The South Australian Government has celebrated a major milestone in the development of Onkaparinga Heights, a new residential project aimed at alleviating the housing crisis in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. Nick Champion, the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, announced the successful signing of infrastructure deeds with landowners, setting in motion the initial phases of this significant development.
Onkaparinga Heights, formerly known as Hackham, is positioned at the termination point of the Southern Expressway and is part of a strategic initiative to provide new housing opportunities within the region. The government, in partnership with landowners, plans to construct at least 2,000 new homes on this 230-hectare site. It is a critical part of the government’s ambitious agenda to boost housing stock and manage affordability.
The infrastructure deeds, which were recently signed, cover essential planning, engineering, and land division requirements. This agreement enables the commencement of substantial development work, including earthworks and the construction of roads, water, wastewater, and stormwater management systems, expected to begin later this year.
This development leverages the record $1.5 billion investment made under the Housing Roadmap’s infrastructure initiatives, a strategic investment aimed at supporting sustainable development. In addition, the Federal Government has contributed through the $1 billion Priority Works Stream of the Housing Support Program, further ensuring that the necessary infrastructure supports this substantial housing project.
Onkaparinga Heights is focused on scale as well as a commitment to affordability, with at least 20 percent of the homes classified as affordable housing. This is particularly significant in a market that is popular but has limited locations suitable for strategic infill development.
The area is renowned for its proximity to the attractive southern vales and beaches, making it a desirable location for families and commuters alike. Nat Cook shared, “The south is a wonderful place to live, to raise a family and to access the wonderful southern vales and beaches. This new suburb is adjacent to the starting point of the Southern Expressway, which is a huge benefit for commuters.”
Amanda Rishworth spoke about the broader benefits to the community, “As the Southern Suburbs continue to grow, this development at Onkaparinga Heights marks a key step in addressing housing affordability and accessibility. The signing of these deeds paves the way for 2,000 new homes, helping more families call the southern suburbs, home to stunning beaches, world-class wineries, and vibrant community hubs, their own.”
Looking ahead, Renewal SA plans to bring the Onkaparinga Heights development opportunity to market by mid-2025. The aim is to transform what is currently an empty paddock into a vibrant residential community. As part of the broader strategy, other locations like Dry Creek, Concordia, and Sellicks Beach are also under consideration for housing development. The rezoning process for Dry Creek has recently begun with a code amendment initiated, while both Concordia and Sellicks Beach are also in the rezoning process with community consultation scheduled for 2025.
This strategic development not only caters to the growing population needs of South Australia’s southern suburbs but also aligns with the government’s goals of improving life quality and accessible housing solutions in the region.
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