Land Release to Boost Accessible, Affordable Homes

The Malinauskas Government is fast tracking what will be the single largest release of residential land in the state's history – set to deliver at least 23,700 more homes for South Australians.

The government will also establish an Infrastructure Planning and Development Unit to help drive residential developments and coordinate infrastructure investment.

The government has already started, with the rezoning of 235 hectares of land at Hackham – creating the capacity for at least 2,000 new homes.

In addition, the following sites have been identified for re-zoning for residential use:

* 10,000 homes at Dry Creek

* 10,000 homes at Concordia

* 1,700 homes at Sellicks Beach

Master planning for the first of these sites will begin this year. It is anticipated construction on the first homes could begin next year with at least 15 per cent earmarked for affordable housing.

The additional supply is expected to open the door for more than 50,000 people.

The Infrastructure Planning and Development Unit will be staffed by five full-time equivalents and will be charged with coordinating the provision of utilities such as electricity, water and sewage and public infrastructure such as roads and schools.

Planned deeds outlining important infrastructure and community facilities must be in place prior to land being rezoned for residential development.

The land release would be more than double the number of allotments released in Mount Barker in 2011 and four times the number of allotments released at Mawson Lakes in the early 2000s.

The announcement is part of a comprehensive housing package to be unveiled this week, which takes immediate and long term action to address housing pressure points, and is expected to support around $965 million of additional construction activity.

Valuer-General data shows the median house price in Adelaide has surged to $670,000 – a 38.1 per cent increase in three years, and 11.5 per cent increase over the past 12 months.

Increasing residential land supply in the right places, at the right time, will support the property market and create more diverse and affordable housing to meet the needs of our growing population.

Further reforms designed to relieve pressure on public housing, rentals and affordable homes will be announced this week.

Quotes

Attributable to Peter Malinauskas

We know our state's population is going to continue to grow and we need to ensure we are making the right decisions now for the long term.

One important way the State Government can help more South Australians enter the housing market is by promoting the release of more land for residential development. This residential land release will ensure there is more supply to meet the needs of our growing population, now and into the future we are talking about housing the equivalent of a packed Adelaide Oval.

Everyone should have a safe and affordable place to call home.

Attributable to Stephen Mullighan

Escalating house prices mean there has never been a more challenging time to enter the market.

A significant way we can help address this is by increasing land supply. This land release will open the door for tens of thousands of South Australians. It means more homes, more jobs and a stronger economy.

Attributable to Nick Champion

We want to lay the foundations for future generations and boost land supply to help more South Australians realise their dream of home ownership.

Building master planned communities backed by good infrastructure and amenities is key – and the provisions in place for developments will help ensure this.

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