South Australia’s social and affordable housing landscape is set to see an update, following a newly introduced requirement that the SA Housing Trust will be consulted on all planning code amendments.
The announcement was made by Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion.
Champion said, “We are leaving no stone unturned in the search for more social and affordable housing opportunities.”
“Public housing is vital to the social fabric of our community – social and affordable housing is, and will remain a key part of every major development in South Australia.”
The initiative comes in response to ongoing advocacy by South Australian Greens Leader Robert Simms, who has persistently championed equal housing opportunities.w
Bringing the SA Housing Trust into the planning process is an effort to ensure social housing recieves the individual attention it needs.
“The Greens have been advocating for the Government to boost the supply of social and affordable housing for some time,” Robert Simms said.
Housing is a fundamental human right for every South Australian and we hope that this change will deliver more housing where it’s needed most.
In South Australia, new code amendments and government housing projects have traditionally involved discussion between relevant authorities, such as the Environmental Protection Authority, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, and Adelaide Airport. These discussions are important to make sure any proposed changes take into account impacts on services, infrastructure, environmental standards, and community needs.
“This new code amendment process will ensure that this is front of mind for new developments. I welcome the constructive way in which the Minister has engaged with the Greens on this issue and look forward to further collaborations in the future,” Simms continued.
2023 saw the list of consulting parties expanded to include the Department for Education. The recent inclusion of the SA Housing Trust broadens the discussion, adding new perspective.
“We are making sure SA Housing Trust has a seat at the table for every code amendment and keeping social housing as part of every conversation that we have around urban development and renewal across the state,” Champion said.
Community involvement remains a crucial part of the planning process. The public has the opportunity to weigh in, and this announcement coincides with the state Government encouraging it to do so.
The South Australian Government says restoring trust in the public housing system remains a priority, with the inclusion of the SA Housing Trust in planning consultations forming part of the effort.
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