The SA government has launched new legislation aimed at boosting South Australia’s housing and job market by streamlining government approval processes. Introduced to State Parliament, the State Development Coordination and Facilitation Bill 2025 addresses current lags in approval procedures while ensuring continued high levels of statutory protection.
This new piece of legislation anticipates creating a more efficient approach to handling significant projects that involve sectors such as housing and decarbonisation, alongside the AUKUS initiative. By establishing the role of Coordinator-General, the Bill looks to enhance coordination across these sectors, ultimately adding greater capacity to the existing infrastructure.
One of the main innovations introduced by the Bill is the establishment of ‘state development areas’. These areas will act as pre-assessed zones where the regulatory groundwork has been preemptively laid, allowing for expedited approvals when applications are lodged. This paradigm shift in the assessment process is expected to attract more projects due to its proactive nature.
Premier Peter Malinauskas spoke about the importance of this legislation in a rapidly evolving economic landscape, particularly in global decarbonisation efforts and the AUKUS defence pact. “Global decarbonisation and AUKUS present an unprecedented opportunity to boost our economic complexity and create more prosperity for South Australians,” Malinauskas said. He further elaborated on the need for the state to attract businesses and urgently construct more housing to take full advantage of these opportunities.
The advancement of this Bill also aims to position South Australia as a competitive region internationally, particularly attractive due to the rapid operational implementation it promises. Malinauskas noted, “Improving the predictability and timeliness of government approvals will remove a known barrier to the flow of capital. Businesses and projects are attracted to jurisdictions where they have certainty.”
Additionally, the legislation ensures that these developments occur without compromising South Australiaβs robust statutory requirements and protections. This aspect reassures that the accelerated processes will not undermine the quality or the environmental and social standards in the state.
The Bill also introduces measures designed to enhance the planning and execution of essential infrastructure and significant housing projects, simplifying various complex administrative processes. These measures are poised to fast-track the development of housing and essential services, directly targeting the core needs of South Australians.
By implementing these legislative changes, the Malinauskas government is actively working to support regional development and job creation, making the state an even more appealing location for both living and investment. This approach not only seeks to address immediate needs but also aims to secure long-term economic stability and growth for South Australia.
This legislative initiative marks an important step in adapting to contemporary demands while striving to uphold the integrity and reliability of South Australiaβs planning and development sectors.
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