Six new government plans could pave the way for thousands of new homes in regional South Australia by 2051.
The South Australian Government has released six regional plans outlining where around 43,000 new homes could be built across the state over the coming decades.
The plans cover Kangaroo Island, the Eyre and Western region, the Far North, Yorke Peninsula and Mid North, Murray Mallee and the Limestone Coast. Together they outline priorities for housing, land use and infrastructure for the next 15 to 30 years.
Within each plan, new residential and employment areas are mapped, as well as studies into what new infrastructure may be needed to support growth.
The six regional plans follow the publication of the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan in March 2025, which estimates that Greater Adelaide’s population will grow by 670,000 people by 2050. That plan also identifies sites for 315,000 new homes in the metropolitan region.
South Australian Housing Minister Nick Champion said building stronger regions is critical to the state’s future growth.
“South Australians in regional communities can be assured that the future of where they live is supported by a government with a plan for sensible growth,” Champion said.
“These plans will ensure that every region in South Australia has a voice in shaping the future of their communities.”
What the plans outline
According to the State Government, each plan has been developed following research and forums with councils, industry stakeholders, government agencies and community members.
The Kangaroo Island plan, which covers the 4,400 square kilometer island home to more than 5,100 people, predicts the population will reach more than 6,700 by 2051. Another 1,150 homes are needed for this growth.
To meet this demand, the plan encourages more varied housing options to support aging and smaller households, especially in large cities, to improve access to essential services while minimizing the impact on the natural environment.
The Eyre and Western region covers 230,000 square kilometers, stretching from the Nullarbor to the Upper Spencer Gulf, and is expected to grow from 58,900 people to 70,800 by 2051.
The regional plan identifies Whyalla, Ceduna and Port Lincoln as key employment hubs, and highlights strategic land use planning and zoning to manage population growth. The demand for new homes in the region is estimated at 6,194 homes in 2051.
The Far North is the state’s largest geographic region, covering 80% of South Australia’s land area and including cities such as Port Augusta, Coober Pedy and Roxby Downs.
The population is expected to increase from 26,700 to 27,800 in 2051. To accommodate this growth, approximately 720 new homes are forecast, with the plan highlighting the need for diverse housing options to support the aging population, attract workers and cater for single-person households.
The Yorke Peninsula and Mid North region covers 35,000 square kilometers and includes centers such as Port Pirie, Clare, Moonta and Wallaroo. In 2051, the population is expected to reach 95,800 inhabitants, up from 78,200.
The plan aims to increase the affordable and varied housing supply, with 11,504 new homes needed by 2051.
In the Murray Mallee region, which covers 71,000 square kilometers and includes areas such as Murray Bridge, Renmark and Waikerie, the population is expected to reach 101,300 by 2051.
The regional plan prioritizes affordable and diverse housing to meet demand for 13,900 new homes, noting that adequate housing will be essential to attract and retain younger workers in response to the region’s aging workforce.
Across the entire Limestone Coast, which covers 21,330 square kilometers from the Coorong to the Victorian border, the population is expected to reach 86,600 by 2051.
Mount Gambier and its surrounding area will remain the main center of the region, home to more than half of the population. To meet future demand, an estimated 8,805 new homes are needed, with the plan emphasizing the need for diverse and affordable housing close to health and community services.
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