South Australia’s Southern and Hills Local Government Association (SHLGA) is calling on all political parties and candidates to commit to Community-Ready Growth Funding at the 2026 State Election, warning that population growth across the region is outpacing the delivery of essential infrastructure and services.
SHLGA represents six councils across the Adelaide Hills, Southern Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island – a region which is planning for more than 87,000 new residents and 46,000 new homes by 2051.
Association President and Victor Harbor City Council Mayor, Moira Jenkins said the region was already feeling the strain of growth which was not being matched by timely investment.
“Our region is growing faster than infrastructure, services and transport systems are being delivered,” President Jenkins said.
“We are seeing the impacts every day – congestion on local roads, limited public transport options, housing pressures in high-tourism areas, and increasing exposure to climate-driven events along our coastlines.”
The Association is calling for the establishment of a dedicated Community-Ready Growth Fund to accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure – including roads, water and wastewater, stormwater, public transport, open space and community facilities – in areas such as Mount Barker, Goolwa, Victor Harbor and Strathalbyn.
Without upfront, coordinated State investment, councils are being forced to manage growing infrastructure backlogs, increasing congestion and cost-shifting pressures that ultimately fall on local communities and ratepayers, said President Jenkins.
“These priorities are practical, evidence-based and achievable,” she said.
“They are about ensuring growth is community-ready, that freight and transport networks are safe and productive, that our coastlines and communities are resilient to climate impacts, and that regional communities have the same access to services and infrastructure as metropolitan areas.”
President Jenkins said local government was on the frontline of managing growth, but could not solve these challenges alone.
“Local government is on the frontline of growth and change, but many of the solutions required sit with the State,” she said.
“Partnership is essential. Targeted investment in the Southern and Hills region will deliver strong returns for the whole State – supporting jobs, key industries, tourism and long-term resilience.”
Community-Ready Growth Funding is one of six high-impact priorities SHLGA is seeking commitments on at the 2026 State Election, alongside freight, public transport, climate resilience, housing regulation and green, healthy communities.
SHLGA says it will continue engaging with parties and candidates across the region in the lead-up to the March 2026 election to secure commitments that ensure growth strengthens the liveability and productivity of Southern and Hills communities.
“Our message is simple: if you want to support South Australia’s future, you need to invest in the regions that are driving growth and opportunity,” Mayor Jenkins said.
The 10-page SHLGA 2026 State Election Policies document can be accessed online here.
