The Malinauskas Labor Government has announced a major housing development in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, with up to 1,000 homes to be delivered across 68 hectares of greenfield land at Onkaparinga Heights.
The project, estimated at $750 million in completed market value, will see Renewal SA seek a development partner through a single-stage Request for Proposal. The development is part of a broader push to address housing demand in the south, complementing projects already underway at Noarlunga and in planning at Aldinga.
Located 32 kilometres from Adelaide’s CBD, Onkaparinga Heights sits near Seaford Meadows Train Station, with access to Main South Road, McLaren Vale, Port Noarlunga beach, and the Onkaparinga River national park. The land was rezoned in early 2023, transforming 235 hectares of rural land into a Master Planned Neighbourhood Zone.
The government has set a target of 20% affordable housing within the project, to be sold through HomeSeeker SA or managed by a Community Housing Provider. Renewal SA is also encouraging proposals that include aged-care facilities and innovative housing types.
SA Water is preparing detailed designs for water networks and will work with the successful developer on specific infrastructure, with construction expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025. Wastewater solutions are also under development.
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said the development marked an important milestone in addressing demand. “This is an important step forward toward turning a significant parcel of land into an opportunity for more South Australians to secure a place to call home,” he said. “Our government’s investment and critical infrastructure upgrades, together with the right partner, will see an empty paddock turn into a vibrant new neighbourhood. Onkaparinga Heights sits in the heart of everything the South has to offer – close to beautiful beaches, the McLaren Vale wine region and thriving community hubs.”
Local MP Nat Cook welcomed the announcement, calling it a timely move for her community. “This project, in my neighbourhood, is a major step in easing housing pressures across South Australia,” she said. “We’re making home ownership and secure rentals more accessible for local families. Affordable housing shouldn’t be out of reach and Onkaparinga Heights is helping fix that.”
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