The first of hundreds of new land allotments to be delivered across regional South Australia backed by the state government’s $10 million Regional Housing Initiatives Program have been completed in the South East.
South Australian developer Evergreen Built has finalised civil works including roads, services and land division at Duigan Street in Mount Gambier, paving the way for new housing tailored to essential workers and people with disabilities.
The project was supported by a $623,455 investment from Renewal SA’s Office for Regional Housing through the Regional Housing Initiatives Program (RHIP).
The construction-ready site has been subdivided into 24 medium-density residential allotments, with 12 already sold on the private market.
Eight of the remaining blocks have been earmarked for specialist disability accommodation, while the final four have been acquired by Renewal SA in exchange for its investment.
Matt Hunt, Director of Renewal SA’s Office for Regional Housing, said the development was the first of many to be announced this year and demonstrated the value of public-private collaboration.
“When we are able to help private developers get well-considered regional projects off the ground, we see real benefits,” Mr Hunt said.
“Our involvement in these developments not only increases the supply of much needed shovel ready land but also acts as a pathway to expanding housing opportunities for essential government workers, delivering long-term value to local communities.”
The four allotments retained by Renewal SA will be offered for sale to investors as part of a proposed house and land and lease package, creating new opportunities for private sector investment in regional housing, backed by long-term rental guarantees.
“We’re looking to sell these blocks under conditions where new homes are built by private investors and leased back to the state government for key worker housing,” Mr Hunt said.
Evergreen Built was one of 30 organisations to apply for investment funding through the Regional Housing Initiatives Program in 2024.
The program was designed to support developers, councils, local industries, and employers committed to investing in regional housing outcomes.
Successful applicants were selected through a competitive Registration of Interest (ROI) process, with projects assessed against a range of criteria aimed at demonstrating strong strategic value for the state.
In late 2024, Renewal SA provisionally allocated $6 million to 10 successful projects supporting more than 200 move-in-ready homes and serviced residential allotments, with remaining funds set to be allocated later this year.
Evergreen Built’s Duigan Street development is the first of these projects to deliver outcomes on the ground.
The Office for Regional Housing is also delivering key worker housing in Mount Gambier through its Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme (RKWHS).
In December last year, four two- and three-bedroom homes were built and handed over to teachers, paramedics, and hospital staff.
Two additional four-bedroom homes were completed last month and allocated to police officers.
These six homes are part of 30 being delivered throughout regional South Australia under a pilot project for the RKWHS, helping to strengthen essential workforces in many towns.
“We’re on track to complete all 30 homes by September and are looking into ways of expanding the program in the near future, Mr Hunt said.
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.