Enabling SA’s planning future: Proposed amendment to State Planning Policy 1

Good planning is essential to South Australia's future, and the planners who shape our communities perform a vital role.

There is currently a national shortage of urban and regional planners, highlighted in the Planning Institute of Australia’s Planners in Australia: State of the Profession Report and in the Federal Government’s Skills Priority List.

This planning skills shortage is a critical concern for the state. South Australia needs qualified planning professionals so that we can deal with challenges like housing affordability, population growth, and the transition to a net-zero emissions future.

To address this problem, the Commission has proposed an amendment to State Planning Policy 1: Integrated Planning (SPP1) that states:

Provide an effective, efficient and enabling planning system that is well resourced with qualified professionals to support development, investment and good planning outcomes.

The proposed amendment addresses the long-term resourcing and provision of skills required to service our planning system and aims to support and enhance SA’s future planning capabilities.

Increasing SA’s planning capabilities will assist in delivering National Cabinet’s new national target to build 1.2 million new well‑located homes over 5 years. It will also lead to better and faster decision making on development proposals or implementing critical initiatives such as rezoning land for housing or employment.

PlanSA has more information on the proposed amendment.

Visit the YourSAy website to provide feedback.