South Australia’s regions are being put on the planning map, with the South Australian Government releasing six new regional plans designed to guide growth, protect what makes each place unique and give communities confidence about what comes next.
The plans cover Kangaroo Island, Eyre and Western, Far North, Yorke Peninsula and Mid North, Murray Mallee, and the Limestone Coast. Together, they outline where new homes and employment areas will be built, what infrastructure will be needed, and how growth can happen without sacrificing environmental, cultural and community values.
Importantly, the plans are grounded in extensive local input, shaped through investigations, workshops and forums with councils, industry, state agencies and community members. The aim is to ensure each region has a clear voice in how it evolves over coming decades.
On Kangaroo Island, where the population is projected to grow from about 5,000 to 6,700 by 2051, the focus is on carefully managed growth. Around 1,149 new homes will be needed, with the plan encouraging more varied housing options within major towns so residents can access services more easily, while protecting productive land and the island’s fragile environment.
The Eyre and Western region, home to Whyalla, Ceduna and Port Lincoln, is forecast to grow to more than 70,000 people by mid-century. Planning for more than 6,000 new homes is balanced against safeguarding biodiversity, marine habitats and open landscapes, while supporting industries like energy, mining, agriculture and tourism that underpin the local economy.
In the Far North, growth is expected to be more modest, but the plan places strong emphasis on preserving cultural heritage, Aboriginal sites and natural resources. Housing diversity is a priority here, catering for older residents, skilled workers, seasonal staff and tourists, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Yorke Peninsula and Mid North region faces some of the biggest housing challenges, with more than 11,500 new homes needed by 2051. The plan aims to move beyond the current dominance of detached housing, encouraging more affordable and diverse options that suit older residents, smaller households and temporary workers, while improving access to services.
In the Murray Mallee, where the population is projected to exceed 100,000 by 2051, planning centres on attracting and retaining younger workers as the workforce ages. Nearly 14,000 new homes will be required, with a focus on affordable, accessible housing close to jobs and services to support long-term economic prosperity.
The Limestone Coast plan identifies the need for more than 8,800 new homes, with Mount Gambier continuing as the region’s main centre. It balances township growth with the protection of prime agricultural land, while supporting agribusiness and value-adding industries that drive local employment.
The regional plans build on the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan released last year, which forecasts an extra 670,000 people living in Greater Adelaide by 2050, alongside 315,000 new homes and 254,000 new jobs. Together, they form a statewide picture of how South Australia intends to grow.
Nick Champion MP said stronger stronger regions means a stronger South Australia.
“South Australians in regional communities can be assured that the future of where they live is being backed by a Government with a plan for sensible growth.
“These plans will ensure every region in South Australia has a voice in shaping the future of their communities.
“I am grateful to the local councils and community members that have shaped these plans, ensuring what is in the plans reflects what each region needs,” he said.
All regional plans are available to view at https://plan.sa.gov.au/resources/planning/regional_plans.
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