More than 2700 homes set for Goolwa North and Fisherman Bay as populations boom

The state government is releasing land for nearly another 3000 new homes, the second announcement in the past week.

More than 2700 new homes are set to be built in regional South Australia with the population of one seaside town expected to swell.

The state government will release land for development on the Southern Fleurieu and Yorke peninsulas.

A potential 2500 homes will be built on a 241-hectare privately held site at Goolwa North with an additional 230 on a 26ha site at Fisherman Bay.

Both sites will be rezoned for residential use with construction to start as early as 2025.

The announcement marks the second release of land in the past week adding to 2000 future homes across Noarlunga Downs, Aldinga and Golden Grove.

Planning Minister Nick Champion said both sites were areas of growing demand and would be backed by infrastructure and amenities.

“We are fast-tracking land supply across the state to boost much-needed supply and tackle the regional housing crisis,” Mr Champion said.

“I commend councils taking charge of strategic planning for their communities and leading local development through proposed zoning changes.”

About 7000 live in the Goolwa area with the population to grow by more than 20 per cent by 2036, according to the State Planning Commission.

1 Porter St, Goolwa. Supplied

The new homes will be built north of the Goolwa township and east of Alexandria Rd.

Mayor Keith Parkes said Alexandrina Council would work with the landowner “to ensure the local community’s vision is heard and incorporated at the policy setting stage”.

Chief executive Nigel Morris said “roads, water supply and sewer” would need to be expanded to meet demand – which the government says will be supported by the newly established Housing Infrastructure Planning and Development Unit.

“Particular emphasis will need to be placed on the impact that future development may have on the existing arterial road network,” Mr Morris.

Alexandrina Council chief executive Nigel Morris. Picture: Supplied

Goolwa resident and owner of Motherduck Cafe Melissa Howard, 50, said a population boom would positively impact businesses, especially during the traditionally quiet non-tourist seasons.

But Ms Howard also raised concerned the town’s infrastructure and services would not keep up with an influx of new residents.

“Goolwa has already become busier since Covid anyway with people relocating down here and buying investment properties,” Ms Howard said.

“If everything’s busier (like) childcare, the roads and private schools will be harder to get into.

“It’s really hard for young mums to go back to work because childcare is booked out for a year, so they’d have to work on the country town to support that.”

The shack settlement of Fisherman Bay on Yorke Peninsula. Picture: Supplied

Fellow local business owner Kim Steele, 52, worried the development would “detract from the small country beachside (atmosphere) that Goolwa is special for”.

“If you put another 2500 homes, it’s going to start losing that small town feel, but it’s always going to be good for businesses and the growth in that area,” she said.

Ms Steele, who has operated Take A Break Holiday Rentals for more than 15 years said the location would attract long-term residents, rather than holiday home buyers – but also agreed the town’s existing infrastructure must be considered.

The Fisherman Bay land is adjacent to the existing township and chief executive for Barunga West Council, Maree Wauchope, said she hoped it would attract young families.

“As the population grows, we’re going to have to find more nurses, doctors and teachers, so we’ll be looking to the state government to assist in providing those services,” she said.