Millions of dollars in investment have been allocated to regional housing projects across South Australia as Renewal SA’s $10 million Regional Housing Initiatives Program gains momentum.
More than $6 million has been provisionally allocated, subject to contract terms, to help deliver more than 200 move-in-ready houses and serviced residential allotments across the state.
This follows a round of applications to the program, which is administered by Renewal SA’s Office for Regional Housing and aims to identify and support regional housing developments in economic growth areas that may require targeted assistance to get started.
“It’s no secret businesses are struggling to fill roles in regional areas due to a lack of housing,” Director, Office for Regional Housing Matt Hunt said.
“One of our key priorities is to support housing projects that will grow regional economies.
“Providing investment to assist developments get started will help get workers into houses sooner.”
Seven projects designed to fast-track residential allotments have been provisionally approved. These are:
- $779,318 for the Lower Eyre Council to help deliver the first stage of an 80-allotment residential subdivision in Cummins
- $779,318 for Tatiara District Council to help develop the final two stages of a 55-allotment residential subdivision in Bordertown
- $779,318 for the District Council of Franklin Harbour to help develop a 37-allotment residential development in Cowell
- $623,455 for Evergreen Built to help develop 16 medium-density residential allotments and eight Specialist Disability Accommodation dwellings in Mount Gambier
- $467,591 for Barunga West Council to help develop a 19-allotment residential development in Port Broughton
- $467,591 for the District Council of Kimba to help develop an 8-allotment residential subdivision in Kimba
- $467,591 for the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton to help develop a 23-allotment residential subdivision in Orroroo.
Three projects designed to increase rental housing have been provisionally approved. These are:
- $1 million for the District Council of Cleve on the Eyre Peninsula to assist in the delivery of nine rental properties to support an increasing population due to economic growth in the area
- $750,000 for Cornerstone Housing to assist in the delivery of 15 long term rental dwellings in Loxton to help accommodate key workers
- $200,000 for Martyn Family Trust to assist in the delivery of five rental dwellings in Port Augusta to help accommodate essential service workers.
Recent data collected by the South Australian Business Chamber’s 2024 Regional Voice report found 48% of regional businesses considered housing one of their greatest issues, highlighting that a lack of suitable accommodation constrained growth opportunities.
The Lower Eyre Council is one of the successful applicants, set to receive $779,318 to support the first of three stages of an 80-allotment development in Cummins, which will help to increase housing supply and alleviate the need for workers to reside out of town.
Matthew Haarsma, Branch Manager of Nutrien Cummins Ag Services, one of the largest employers in Cummins, has struggled to help his staff find permanent accommodation close to where the business operates and says the support will help to overcome this longstanding issue.
“Twenty-two percent of our employees live outside of Cummins,” Mr Haarsma said.
“Some may wish to (live out of town), I understand that, but others may not, and there isn’t an option for them.
“We have two new employees starting next year, and neither of them can find anything in Cummins, so they will need to travel.”
Mr Haarsma said this funding would help turn the dial for both his businesses and the wider community.
“There would be less cost to our business if employees were closer to their work, and the town would benefit greatly from having more people involved in sporting and volunteer groups locally and shopping locally,” he said.
Meanwhile in the Riverland, $750,000 will support the delivery of 15 long-term rental dwellings in Loxton for Community Housing Provider Cornerstone Housing, to accommodate key workers.
The area is also struggling to attract workers due to the lack of rental accommodation, particularly smaller, low-maintenance dwellings.
Loxton Waikerie District Council said it would transfer the land for development to Cornerstone once the development proceeds and agreed to provide additional supporting infrastructure for the proposed medium-density, two-bedroom units and three-bedroom townhouses.
Mr Hunt said Cornerstone’s partnership with the council was instrumental in the success of their bid.
“Local government has a crucial role to play in meeting the regional housing challenge” Mr Hunt said.
“Strong, collaborative partnerships such as the one between Cornerstone and the local council always delivers stronger outcomes for communities, and I have no doubt that will be the case here.”
The Office for Regional Housing was established in 2023 with a commitment to working with local governments, economic development agencies, and employers to address housing shortages in regional South Australia.
Councils, local industry, employers, and developers were invited to submit proposed projects for investment consideration from the Regional Housing Initiatives Program via a Registration of Interest (ROI) process earlier this year.
The ROI aimed to identify residential projects that could deliver the greatest strategic value for the state, with the Renewal SA’s funding securing allotments or lease options for government initiatives such as its regional key worker housing scheme.
A total of 30 applications were received by the Office for Regional Housing, with an Assessment Panel providing a list of recommended projects, setting out parameters for the negotiation of non-binding Key Commercial Terms with the shortlisted applicants.