The potential for more than 2,500 new homes has been unlocked in regional South Australia after two code amendments were initiated by the Minister for Planning.

Two parcels of land – at Goolwa North on the southern Fleurieu and Fisherman Bay on the Yorke Peninsula – are set to be released for development, fast-tracking critical land and bringing houses to market to tackle the regional housing crisis.

The sites, identified for re-zoning for residential use through the planning system, will be subject to community and stakeholder engagement. 

The newly established Housing Infrastructure Planning and Development Unit, led by executive director Elinor Walker, will support the rollout of vital infrastructure and amenities surrounding major housing land releases, including at these two sites.

It is anticipated construction on first homes could begin as early as 2025, following the completion of the re-zoning and master planning of each location. 

The Goolwa North code amendment is set to deliver around 2,500 homes on a 241-hectare privately held site, north of the Goolwa township and east of Alexandrina Road. 

Planning Minister Nick Champion says the release adds much-needed supply to the outer south region, in an area identified as having significantly limited greenfield land available for development.

“We are fast-tracking land supply across the State to boost much-needed supply and tackle the regional housing crisis. 

“Both these sites present an opportunity to deliver nearly three thousand new homes in areas of growing demand – backed by good infrastructure and amenities. 

“I commend Councils taking charge of strategic planning for their communities and leading local development through proposed zoning changes.“

The state government says the proposal will boost housing affordability and choice amid rising demand, with the region’s population projected to grow in excess of 20 per cent by 2036, according to the State Planning Commission’s latest Land Supply Report.

The privately led rezoning process will consider the extensive work previously done by the Alexandrina Council for the affected land, to help drive master planning and guide future growth in Goolwa North.