The South Australian Government is calling on the state’s councils to prepare Local Area Plans to show how they will meet the housing targets set out in seven new regional plans, following changes to the Planning Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.
Local Area Plans will allow councils to identify the specific challenges and opportunities of growth in their region – such as ensuring housing, community and open spaces, and employment areas, are well-planned, liveable and resilient.
These Plans are essential to delivering the new regional plans and achieving the State Government’s goals to facilitate land supply for housing, employment and investment. For almost a year, LGA and the Department for Housing and Urban Development have been working together to develop a framework to support councils to deliver their Local Area Plans.
Following the release of the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan in March 2025, Greater Adelaide council CEOs and Mayors were provided with an update on the local area planning program and encouraged to start thinking about how their councils will deliver the targets and engage with their communities.
Greater Adelaide councils have until June 2028 to have their Local Area Plans completed.
Local Area Plans are a valuable strategic document and local area planning tool for delivering place-based planning outcomes, including:
- forecasting of local housing and growth
- providing clear direction on how to mitigate housing challenges
- supporting evidence-based decision making
- strengthening alignment between state and local government housing objectives
- improving the coordination of housing delivery
- promoting the development of diverse housing types
- guiding housing development investment
- aligning localised housing priorities with broader council objectives, including infrastructure planning, open space provision, employment and social services.
The framework to support councils through this process is expected to be launched in early 2026.
Visit the Regional Planning Program for more information.
