Urban infill or greenfields development? In a housing crisis the argument takes greater focus, with increasing pressure on farmland and open space in regions like the Fleurieu.

The state government has released its draft Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP) for public consultation. 

The GARP is a 30-year plan that gives people access to the government’s long-term vision for sustainable growth across the Adelaide region.

It plays a critical role in identifying appropriate land for future housing, employment, commercial uses, and the necessary supporting infrastructure.

Greater Adelaide’s population is expected to grow by an additional 670,000 people by 2050. 

The state government says it is committed to smarter, more sustainable planning that ensures growth is supported by essential services, infrastructure, economic opportunities, and an enjoyable lifestyle.

The GARP is intended to establish a planning framework for the region, identifying where an extra 315,000 homes can be located and where jobs will be created as the population expands.

Spanning approximately 11,000 square kilometres from Cape Jervis to Murray Bridge, taking in the townships of the Barossa and the boundary of Port Wakefield, the Greater Adelaide region is home to around 1.5 million people, approximately 85 per cent of the state’s population.

The draft GARP currently open for consultation builds on insights from a three-month engagement process on the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan Discussion Paper in late 2023.

Planning Minister Nick Champion says it’s critical the state plans for future growth. 

“The Greater Adelaide Regional Plan will provide clarity and direction for the community, councils, and developers on Greater Adelaide’s long-term growth.

“We are more committed than ever to making home ownership and secure housing more available to the next generation of South Australians. 

“As our economy booms and population grows, it’s vital that we address the challenges of housing affordability and the need for quality public spaces and supporting infrastructure.

“It’s time for the public to have their say on the 30-year plan. We want to ensure that this vision aligns with community aspirations and the needs of the next generations of future South Australians. 

State Planning Commission Chair Craig Holden says Adelaide’s reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities was strongly affirmed by feedback on the 2023 Discussion Paper.

“The community’s passion for their region is evident, and we are eager for them to play a central role in shaping the Plan.

“Much of the feedback focused on how we can protect and enhance the region’s most valued attributes—our premium food and wine, scenic landscapes, natural environment, cultural and built heritage, and our world-class beaches—while also ensuring we have the land needed to support future growth.”

The draft GARP outlines a comprehensive strategy for the region’s growth and sets a vision for sustainable development over the next 30-years.

The public is encouraged to share their views on key priorities, including:

• The location of new housing and employment areas.
• Major infrastructure required to support growth.
• Specific areas that should be protected from future development.

South Australians are invited to provide feedback and help shape the long-term planning vision for urban, land, and housing development across the state.

The community can provide feedback by visiting the Regional Planning Portal. The consultation period closes on Monday 4 November at 5pm.