The City of Mount Gambier will participate in a national research project led by the University of Adelaide to address housing affordability in regional communities.
At its Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 17 February 2026, Council noted the Affordable Housing Research Project - Adelaide University report and confirmed its intention to participate as a partner organisation, subject to the successful attainment of funding through the 2026 Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant round.
If the grant application is successful, Council will contribute $5,000 per year over three years, totalling $15,000 towards the Unlocking Affordable Housing Supply in Regional Australia project. Council will also provide in‑kind support through staff participation and involvement in project steering and stakeholder meetings.
City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said housing affordability continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing regional communities.
"Like many regional cities, Mount Gambier is experiencing increasing pressure on housing supply," Mayor Martin said.
"This research project provides an opportunity to better understand how alternative housing models, including prefabricated and offsite construction, could play a role in improving affordability and housing diversity in our community."
The research project, led by Professor Andrew Beer from the University of Adelaide, will investigate opportunities to increase the supply of affordable and diverse housing through alternative construction methods, including offsite and prefabricated housing.
The City of Mount Gambier has been invited to participate as a case study location as part of the nationwide research due to its unique location, size and surrounding timber industry.
Mayor Martin said Council's involvement aligns strongly with its existing strategic direction.
"Council has an adopted Affordable Housing Plan and a clear commitment to supporting housing choice and affordability," she said.
"Participating in this research allows us to contribute to a national conversation while ensuring the outcomes are relevant and practical for regional communities like ours."
The project aims to address key barriers that have limited the uptake of prefabricated housing in regional Australia, including fragmented industry standards, limited understanding of local government requirements, regulatory complexity, and gaps in knowledge around performance, compliance and design integration.
Research outcomes are expected to identify where prefabricated and offsite housing can be most effectively deployed, potential affordability gains, community acceptance factors, and the regulatory and policy reforms required to accelerate adoption.
Mayor Martin said Council's role as a partner organisation would help ensure local government perspectives are reflected in the research.
"Local councils play an important role in planning, development assessment and community engagement," she said.
"Being involved from the outset helps ensure the research delivers practical insights that can support better planning outcomes and more affordable housing options in the future."
The project aligns with Council's strategic priorities across learning and innovation, infrastructure and services, and economic and business growth, and supports regional planning objectives for the Limestone Coast.
City of Mount Gambier CEO Paul Simpson said Council's participation reflects both the region's strengths and its commitment to practical innovation.
"Mount Gambier has a strong forestry and timber industry that already plays a vital role in supplying materials for housing construction across South Australia," Mr Simpson said.
"It makes sense for Council to be at the forefront of national research that explores how this local capability can support more affordable, efficient and sustainable housing outcomes in regional communities."
"By contributing to this research, we are not only supporting an industry that underpins the economic health of our city, but also helping to identify solutions that could improve housing supply and affordability for current and future residents."
The project will only proceed if funding is successfully secured through the ARC Linkage Grant program.
