Two Riverland towns are in the mix to be supported by an uptick in essential workers through a boost to key worker housing, through an initiative launched today by Renewal SA’s Office for Regional Housing.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is now open, seeking development partners to build up to 10 homes in Berri and/or Renmark, which would be leased for education, police and healthcare workers through the state government.

The EOI offers benefits to developers who undertake the projects as an investment, including long-term secure leases and up to $1 million in financial contributions towards additional housing-related infrastructure.

Peter Gatsios, Renewal SA's Executive Director of Residential Project Delivery and Assets, said the region was one of South Australia's most productive and economically significant, but like many parts of regional SA, housing supply hasn't kept pace with demand.

“Currently, the Riverland is experiencing a significant shortage of housing and rental accommodation, which the state government, through Renewal SA, is actively seeking to address,” he said.

"This initiative is about making sure the people supporting the Riverland can actually live nearby.

“This will support workforce attraction, retention and development, as well as regional growth.”

Developers are invited to construct between five and 10 homes to be leased to Government Employee Housing (GEH) on 10-year agreements, with optional five-year renewals, providing a guaranteed income stream backed by the South Australian Government.

The Office for Regional Housing will work with successful proponents on design and location, with all homes required to be completed within 24 months of a Development Deed being executed.

Beyond the secure long-term leases, Renewal SA is offering up to $1 million in financial contributions to developers who create additional serviced allotments for private sale as part of their development, supporting broader growth in the area.

The contribution is capped at $50,000 per allotment for eligible civil infrastructure costs, including roads, water, power and telecommunications, with a maximum total of $1 million available.

Developers who commit to creating at least 20 additional allotments will be positioned to access the full contribution.

"One of the biggest barriers to housing development in the regions is the upfront cost of getting land ready to build on," Mr Gatsios said.

"By contributing to those infrastructure costs, we're giving developers a genuine reason to invest, and helping to create a pipeline of shovel-ready land that will benefit the whole community long after the initial homes are built."

Berri Barmera Council Chief Executive Officer Tim Pfeiffer said his community continued to experience workforce shortages across a range of essential services, particularly healthcare.

“Access to suitable housing is often identified as one of the barriers to attracting and retaining skilled workers in our area," Mr Pfeiffer said.

"An increase in key workers would not only support frontline services but also contribute to broader economic confidence in Berri Barmera.”

"Demand has outpaced supply in recent years, particularly for affordable and rental housing, making it difficult for workers and families to secure homes in Berri Barmera.

"Council welcomes collaborative approaches that support sustainable regional growth.”

Renmark Paringa Council Acting Chief Executive Tarik Wolf said the initiative puts support where it’s needed, and would contribute to regional housing supply, and support the local economy.

“There certainly can be a barrier for developers to construct in regional areas due to the cost of infrastructure,” Mr Wolf said.

“Support from Renewal SA for developers to build high-quality homes to support professionals seeking work in Renmark is a significant boost and will help unlock some important opportunities.

“This not only allows the introduction of much-needed housing, but it also support local trades and businesses that will benefit from more construction occurring in our town.”

Mr Gatsios said the contributions had proven helpful in attracting developers in other regions including Port Pirie, Port Lincoln and Port Augusta.

"We're committed to expanding that momentum into the Riverland, and we're looking for development partners who share our ambition to make a lasting difference to housing supply in regional South Australia,” he said

The Office for Regional Housing has, during its three years of operation, secured a pipeline of more than 500 new housing outcomes across the state.

Renmark is among the towns already benefiting, with five homes completed in 2025 under the Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme.

The Riverland EOI is open for ten weeks, closing at 5pm (ACST) on Thursday 30 July 2026.