Record land release to pave the way for more accessible and affordable homes

The South Australian Government has announced it is fast tracking what will be the single largest release of residential land in the state’s history – set to deliver at least 23,700 more homes for South Australians.

The government will also establish an Infrastructure Planning and Development Unit to help drive residential developments and coordinate infrastructure investment.

The government has already started, with the rezoning of 235 hectares of land at Hackham – creating the capacity for at least 2,000 new homes.

In addition, the following sites have been identified for re-zoning for residential use:

• 10,000 homes at Dry Creek
• 10,000 homes at Concordia
• 1,700 homes at Sellicks Beach

Master planning for the first of these sites will begin this year. It is anticipated construction on the first homes could begin next year with at least 15 per cent earmarked for affordable housing.

The additional supply is expected to open the door for more than 50,000 people.

The Infrastructure Planning and Development Unit will be staffed by five full-time equivalents and will be charged with coordinating the provision of utilities such as electricity, water and sewage and public infrastructure such as roads and schools.

Planned deeds outlining important infrastructure and community facilities must be in place prior to land being rezoned for residential development.

The land release would be more than double the number of allotments released in Mount Barker in 2011 and four times the number of allotments released at Mawson Lakes in the early 2000s.

The announcement is part of a comprehensive housing package, which takes immediate and long-term action to address housing pressure points and is expected to support around $965 million of additional construction activity.

Valuer-General data shows the median house price in Adelaide has surged to $670,000 – a 38.1 per cent increase in 3 years and 11.5 per cent increase over the past 12 months.

Increasing residential land supply in the right places, at the right time, will support the property market and create more diverse and affordable housing to meet the needs of our growing population.