Wattle Range Council applies for ‘major rezoning application’ for land around Millicent, Penola, Beachport and Glencoe

Hundreds of new homes could be built around four South-East towns as a local council applies to have land rezoned.

The areas proposed for housing rezoning in Millicent.

A major rezoning move to open up more land for housing in the SA’s lower South-East has opened to public consultation.

Wattle Range Council is applying to rezone ten parcels of land around the townships of Millicent, Penola, Beachport and Glencoe, with Housing Minister Nick Champion approving the start of the process.

The total amount of land is yet to be determined and depends on further investigation, analysis and consultation with the affected communities.

If approved, the rezoning sites could offer a range of housing options including rural living opportunities and accommodation for workers located close to town centres.

The areas under consideration have been identified in the council’s 25-Year Strategic Land Use Plan to accommodate housing and employment growth after rapid population growth in Mount Gambier and Robe.

Wattle Range Council CEO Ben Gower said community engagement sessions ha taken place over a 12-month period before choosing the areas for rezoning.

He said the aim was to protect the region’s farming land and provide accommodation to reinforce the region’s status as a strong tourism destination.

The proposal now moves to community consultation.

The areas proposed for housing rezoning in Penola.

The areas proposed for housing rezoning in Glencoe.

The areas proposed for housing rezoning in Beachport.

“Further consultation sessions will be occurring in mid-2024,” Mr Gower said.

The parcels of land are all close to the four towns.

MacKillop MP Nick McBride said a shortage of affordable housing has significant personal, financial and economic impacts.

“It affects the way businesses can operate and makes it difficult to attract workers across vital sectors including agriculture and food processing,” he said.

Mr Champion said: “This proposal is a major rezoning application … and I think it’s great the Council is looking at ways to provide more housing in the community.”

“Like all our regions, there is significant stress on the local property market in the South-East, with an increasing population and incredibly low rental vacancies.”

Locals can have their say by visiting the council's designated page. 

Another planning code amendment to rezone land for housing is continuing in North Goolwa, to strong public opposition.

Andi comes after the state government announced that 13 houses will be built across Port Augusta, Renmark and Mount Gambier under its Regional Key Worker Housing Scheme.

The scheme aims to create housing opportunities to attract and retain vital, skilled workers in country communities.

The tasks of building these houses have been appointed to local builders in each of the designated towns.

Rockford Homes will build five houses in Renmark, Empak Homes will build four in Mount Gambier and Constructwell four in Port Augusta.