South Australia Unlocks Land to Tackle Housing Shortage

South Australia is turning a significant corner in its approach to housing, unlocking new potential for home ownership and community growth through a bold shift in strategy. With demand for housing continuing to outpace supply across the country, the state government has taken proactive steps to reshape the future of residential development by rezoning five key areas previously protected under strict land use laws.

Premier Peter Malinauskas recently announced the introduction of a new bill to amend the boundaries of South Australia’s Environment and Food Production Areas (EFPAs)—a move that marks the first major implementation of the newly unveiled Greater Adelaide Regional Plan. Originally established in 2017 to shield food and wine regions from urban sprawl, EFPAs were designed to be reviewed every five years, with the next review not expected until 2027. However, the pressing housing crisis has prompted an earlier reassessment, with the state recognising the urgent need for change.

The rezoning effort focuses on five key locations—Roseworthy, Two Wells, Murray Bridge, Victor Harbor, and Goolwa—set to deliver up to 61,000 new homes. These sites span both Adelaide’s urban fringe and broader regional areas, laying the groundwork for more balanced population growth while maintaining the integrity of the state’s vital agricultural zones. Importantly, the government has been quick to highlight that less than one per cent of EFPA land in Greater Adelaide will be affected by the changes—underscoring a careful and measured approach to land release.

This move is not just about quantity, but about providing choice. As Malinauskas noted, “We must grow in a way that gives people choice, whether that be living in close proximity in the city or raising a family on a bigger block in the suburbs.” With more Australians seeking affordable, lifestyle-rich living outside the metro core, these new development zones will help meet a broader spectrum of housing preferences—from bustling urban infill to more spacious, greenfield communities.

The new bill also reflects a clear departure from the state’s previous focus on infill development, which aimed for 85 per cent of housing growth to come from within existing urban areas. According to Housing Minister Nick Champion, the distinction between infill and greenfield development will no longer guide planning decisions under the updated city plan. This shift acknowledges the importance of flexibility in addressing South Australia’s diverse housing needs, and supports the development of inclusive, sustainable communities well into the future.

The Greater Adelaide Regional Plan sets out an ambitious target of delivering 315,000 new homes over the next three decades. It’s a vision driven by long-term thinking, but grounded in immediate action. By taking this early step to unlock key parcels of land for residential use, the government is signalling its commitment to alleviating housing pressure, stimulating construction industry growth, and enhancing the liveability of South Australia for generations to come.

For those in the construction, infrastructure, and development sectors, these changes represent a wave of opportunity. As the plan rolls out and new communities begin to take shape, demand will rise for skilled workers, innovative developers, and construction professionals who can help bring South Australia’s housing vision to life.

This is not only a chance to build more homes—it’s an opportunity to build better futures. With a strategy that balances growth with sustainability, and development with diversity, South Australia is paving the way for an exciting chapter in its urban and regional evolution.