Six new government plans could pave the way for thousands of new homes across regional South Australia by 2051.
The South Australian government has released six regional plans outlining where around 43,000 new homes could be built across the state over the coming decades.
The plans map out future housing and employment areas across six regions. Picture: Getty
The plans cover Kangaroo Island, the Eyre and Western region, the Far North, Yorke Peninsula and Mid North, Murray Mallee, and the Limestone Coast. Together, they outline priorities for housing, land use and infrastructure over the next 15 to 30 years.
Within each plan, new housing and employment areas are mapped out, alongside investigations into what new infrastructure may be needed to support growth.
The six regional plans follow the release of the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan in March 2025, which estimates Greater Adelaide’s population will grow by 670,000 people by 2050. That plan also identifies locations for 315,000 new homes across the metropolitan region.
South Australia’s housing minister Nick Champion said building stronger regions was critical to the state’s future growth.
“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,” Mr Champion said.
“These plans will ensure every region in South Australia has a voice in shaping the future of their communities.”
What the plans outline
According to the state government, each plan was developed following investigations and forums with councils, industry stakeholders, state agencies and community members.
The Kangaroo Island plan, which covers the 4400 square-kilometre island that is home to more than 5100 people, forecasts the population will reach over 6700 by 2051. This growth would require an additional 1150 homes.
To meet this demand, the plan encourages more varied housing options to support ageing and smaller households, particularly within major towns, to improve access to essential services while minimising impacts on the natural environment.
The Eyre and Western region covers 230,000 square kilometres, stretching from the Nullarbor to the Upper Spencer Gulf, and is expected to grow from 58,900 people to 70,800 by 2051.
Its regional plan identifies Whyalla, Ceduna and Port Lincoln as key employment hubs, and points to strategic land-use planning and zoning to manage population growth. New housing demand in the region is estimated at 6194 homes by 2051.
The Far North is the state’s largest geographical region, spanning 80% of South Australia’s land area and including towns such as Port Augusta, Coober Pedy and Roxby Downs.
Its population is expected to increase from 26,700 to 27,800 by 2051. To accommodate this growth, about 720 new homes are forecast, with the plan highlighting the need for diverse housing options to support an ageing population, attract workers and cater for single-person households.
The Yorke Peninsula and Mid North region spans 35,000 square kilometres and includes centres such as Port Pirie, Clare, Moonta and Wallaroo. By 2051, the population is expected to reach 95,800, up from 78,200.
The plan aims to boost affordable and diverse housing supply, with 11,504 new homes needed by 2051.
In the Murray Mallee region, covering 71,000 square kilometres and including areas such as Murray Bridge, Renmark and Waikerie, the population is projected to reach 101,300 by 2051.
The regional plan prioritises affordable and diverse housing to meet demand for 13,900 new homes, while noting that adequate housing will be essential to attract and retain younger workers in response to the region’s ageing workforce.
Across the Limestone Coast, which spans 21,330 square kilometres from the Coorong to the Victorian border, the population is expected to reach 86,600 by 2051.
Mount Gambier and its surrounds will remain the region’s main centre, housing more than half the population. To meet future demand, 8805 new homes are expected to be required, with the plan emphasising the need for diverse and affordable housing close to health and community services.
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