South Australia is set to see a significant shift in land availability for housing as the Malinauskas Labor Government moves to update planning laws. A bill will be introduced to Parliament aiming to modify the Environment and Food Production Areas (EFPA), aligning them with the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP). This change could pave the way for 61,000 new homes over the next three decades, ensuring development-ready land remains available.
The housing crisis has been a pressing issue, with constraints on greenfield development limiting opportunities for new residential areas. Without these proposed modifications, a substantial portion of land identified for future growth in GARP would remain locked away, delaying much-needed housing supply for another 15 to 20 years. This adjustment would make land in Roseworthy, Two Wells, Murray Bridge, Victor Harbor, and Goolwa available for development, expanding the options for homebuyers and renters alike.
Despite concerns about the impact on agricultural land, the government insists that the proposed changes represent less than one per cent of land currently designated for farming in Greater Adelaide. The process has involved extensive suitability assessments, evaluating both environmental and agricultural values to ensure a balanced approach to development. The goal is to allow planning and infrastructure projects to begin now, avoiding the pitfalls of previous planning missteps that have contributed to the current housing strain.
Since coming into office, the Malinauskas Government has made zoning changes to unlock 500 hectares for housing, enabling the construction of at least 7,000 new homes. This is a sharp contrast to the previous Liberal Government’s record, which saw fewer than 190 hectares rezoned in its four-year term. The restricted land supply has been cited as a key factor in the worsening housing shortage.
South Australia’s projected housing demand over the next 30 years is approximately 315,000 homes. To meet this target, GARP has outlined a combination of greenfield expansion and strategic urban infill. When the EFPAs were first established, the policy emphasis was on achieving 85 per cent of growth through infill development. However, this approach is now viewed as outdated, necessitating legislative updates to reflect the broader development strategy.
Premier Peter Malinauskas stressed the importance of thoughtful growth, highlighting the need for a structured approach that avoids the unchecked subdivision of suburban streets. The focus, he said, should be on providing diverse housing choices—whether that means city living or larger suburban blocks for growing families. His stance reflects a commitment to planning that accommodates both current residents and the influx of newcomers expected in the coming years.
Planning Minister Nick Champion reinforced this message, pointing out that a steady supply of development-ready land is crucial to preventing future housing shortages. The legislative update would ensure that the EFPA boundaries reflect government policy, eliminating outdated targets for greenfield and infill development. Importantly, land identified for removal from the EFPA is located near existing residential zones and has established infrastructure, making it well-suited for housing expansion.
The bill to amend the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 is expected to be introduced this week. If passed, it will mark a decisive step in reshaping South Australia’s housing landscape, providing a long-term solution to the challenges of supply and affordability. The move signals a shift away from restrictive planning policies and towards a more flexible framework that responds to population growth and housing needs.
For prospective homeowners, developers, and local communities, the changes could mean greater choice and a more predictable path to new housing developments. While debates will continue over land use and environmental impacts, the government’s push to unlock more space for housing reflects a broader commitment to ensuring South Australia remains an attractive and accessible place to live.
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