Six long-term regional plans setting out how country South Australia will grow over the next 15 to 30 years have been released by the Malinauskas Labor Government, outlining where housing, jobs and infrastructure are expected to develop across the state’s major regional areas.
The plans cover Kangaroo Island, Eyre and Western, Far North, Yorke Peninsula and Mid North, Murray Mallee, and the Limestone Coast. Together, they provide population forecasts, housing targets and land-use priorities through to 2051, shaped through consultations with councils, industry, state agencies and local communities.
Planning Minister Nick Champion said the documents were designed to give regional South Australians confidence about how growth would be managed.
“Stronger regions means a stronger South Australia,” he said.
“South Australians in regional communities can be assured that the future of where they live is being backed by a Government with a plan for sensible growth.”
Across the six regions, population growth is expected to be uneven, reflecting local economic drivers and demographic trends. Kangaroo Island’s population is projected to rise from about 5,000 in 2021 to 6,700 by 2051, requiring 1,149 new homes. The plan focuses on concentrating housing in major towns to improve access to services while protecting productive land and sensitive environments.
The Eyre and Western region, home to centres such as Whyalla, Ceduna and Port Lincoln, is forecast to grow from 58,900 people to 70,800, with a need for more than 6,000 new homes. Planning priorities there balance housing and employment growth with biodiversity protection, marine habitats and tourism assets.
In the Far North, population growth is expected to be modest, rising from 26,700 to 27,800 by 2051. The plan emphasises protecting cultural heritage, natural resources and Aboriginal sites, while supporting housing options suited to older residents, skilled workers, seasonal workers and visitors.
The Eyre and Western region, home to centres such as Whyalla, Ceduna and Port Lincoln, is forecast to grow from 58,900 people to 70,800, with a need for more than 6,000 new homes
The Yorke Peninsula and Mid North is projected to see stronger growth, from 78,200 people in 2021 to 95,800 by mid-century. More than 11,500 new homes will be required, with a focus on moving beyond the current dominance of detached housing to better meet the needs of older residents, smaller households, temporary workers and lower-income families.
In the Murray Mallee, population is forecast to increase from 73,100 to just over 101,000, creating demand for almost 14,000 new homes. The plan links housing growth to economic activity, service access and the challenge of an ageing workforce, with the aim of retaining and attracting younger workers.
The Limestone Coast is expected to grow from 68,500 residents to 86,600 by 2051, requiring 8,805 new homes. Mount Gambier and surrounding areas will continue as the region’s main centre, while the plan seeks to protect primary production land and support agribusiness and value-adding opportunities.
Champion said the plans were shaped by local input and intended to reflect regional priorities rather than impose a one-size-fits-all approach.
“These plans will ensure every region in South Australia has a voice in shaping the future of their communities,” he said.
“I am grateful to the local councils and community members that have shaped these plans, ensuring what is in the plans reflects what each region needs.”
The release of the six regional plans follows last year’s Greater Adelaide Regional Plan, which anticipates an additional 670,000 people in metropolitan Adelaide by 2050 and identifies land for 315,000 new homes and 254,000 jobs, alongside protections for most of the city’s food production areas.
Taken together, the metropolitan and regional plans form a statewide framework aimed at guiding housing supply, infrastructure investment and land use as South Australia’s population grows and changes over coming decades.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
