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In a move to address the housing crisis, the Malinauskas Labor Government has rezoned 10.3 hectares of land in Virginia, located north of the city. This initiative is to increase housing supply in rapidly growing areas. The targeted parcel of land on McEvoy Road is a crucial component of the Playford Growth Area Structure Plan and is expected to accommodate at least 150 low-density residential allotments.
This strategic rezoning is designed to tackle the housing shortage and is supported by the local Council. It aims to extend the existing urban development in the vicinity, ensuring a seamless integration with the current landscape. A notable aspect of this development is the construction of a noise barrier along Port Wakefield Road. This measure is essential due to the site’s proximity to the highway and the International Raceway, ensuring a tranquil living environment for future residents.
The government has assured that the ongoing farming activities in the area will remain unaffected during and after the development process. This reassurance is a part of the code amendment process, which has been officially approved by Minister for Planning Nick Champion. With this approval, the developer is now set to advance to the next planning stage for the site.
The Malinauskas Labor Government has been proactive in streamlining the code amendment process for both metropolitan and regional South Australia. This initiative is a key element of the “A Better Housing Future” plan. The plan encompasses a range of reforms aimed at releasing record amounts of land, reducing taxes for home buyers, reversing the long-term decline in public housing, streamlining planning approvals, and reforming the rental market to provide new benefits to tenants.
Minister for Planning Nick Champion, in his statement, emphasised the government’s commitment to increasing housing supply in growing areas like Virginia. “We know there’s a real desire to increase the housing supply in growing areas of Adelaide, such as Virginia in the northern suburbs,” he said. He highlighted the potential of this rezoning to add at least 150 low-density homes to the area, thereby extending the nearby residential streets.
Champion, who also represents the local area, considers this development a significant victory for the community. He particularly noted the importance of constructing a noise barrier along Port Wakefield Road. “As the local member, I think this is a big win for the community, especially with the construction of a noise barrier along Port Wakefield Road,” he remarked.
The Minister further elaborated on the government’s broader strategy to combat the housing crisis. “As a Government, we are pulling every lever at our disposal to address the housing crisis and streamlining the planning process is an important way we can get more supply into the market as soon as possible,” he stated. Under his leadership, the government has initiated the rezoning of nearly 2000 hectares of land, aiming to boost the housing supply across various market levels.
