Southwark rezoning welcome - but broader, faster action needed to meet housing targets
The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the State Government's decision to approve the Southwark Grounds Code Amendment, unlocking up to 14 storeys across the 8-hectare site.
Executive Director Bruce Djite said the rapid rezoning, including the use of early commencement powers showed the kind of decisive leadership needed to accelerate housing delivery.
"This is exactly the type of bold, fast-tracked decision-making South Australia needs if we're serious about building more homes, but one site won't solve a housing crisis". Mr Djite said.
"Government has shown what is possible when it moves with urgency and intent." However, Mr Djite said the approach must now be applied more consistently across all suitable sites, not just those owned by government.
"To date, fast-tracked code amendments have largely been confined to government-owned land. If we want to unlock real supply, this approach must be extended to well-located privately owned sites as well."
The Property Council warned that without stronger action, South Australia risks falling short of its housing commitments and missing out on critical federal funding tied to delivery targets. "If we are to get anywhere near the National Housing Accord target, we need significantly more ambitious and scalable solutions," Mr Djite said.
"Resetting expectations to 13,500 homes a year simply won't get the job done and risks leaving Commonwealth infrastructure funding on the table." Mr Djite noted that other states remain committed to meeting their targets, with Federal Housing Minister Clare O'Neil recently reinforcing that ambition at the Property Council's National Housing Summit.
"South Australia cannot afford to lower its sights - we need to match that ambition with delivery."
While acknowledging positive policy signals from the Government, the Property Council called for stronger execution of reforms already announced. "There are some genuinely good ideas on the table, but delivery is where it matters," Mr Djite said.
He called for better execution of existing reforms and greater transparency on infrastructure capacity and investment. "Great ideas without delivery are wasted opportunities. With certainty, speed and genuine partnership, industry is ready to build."
"What we need now are many more Southwark-style decisions - delivered quickly, applied broadly, and backed by infrastructure investment."
