New Penfield defence precinct proposed next to RAAF base to expand industry, ‘future proof’ region for jobs

Farming land would be turned into a new defence and aerospace precinct to create skilled jobs and even provide “high-quality” telecommunications.

A new defence and aerospace precinct has been proposed for Adelaide’s north in a bid to attract more industry, set aside land for employment and boost skilled jobs in the region.

A 400ha parcel in Penfield, just north of the RAAF base at Edinburgh, has been earmarked for an investigation into rezoning the land from farming to employment.

Urban Development Minister Nick Champion said Playford Council’s rezoning bid was a chance to transform “under-utilised land” into a new defence precinct to create jobs and expand the state’s growing defence industry.

“It is a unique opportunity to take advantage of the area’s strategic location next to RAAF Base Edinburgh and future-proof this area for more specialised jobs,” he said.

An area in Adelaide's northern suburbs that would be rezoned away from farming land to an employment zone for a defence and aerospace precinct near the RAAF Base, at Penfield.

The plan would prioritise defence- and aerospace-related industries and create new job opportunities in industrial, logistical, storage, research and other areas.

“A portion of the area will be set aside for defence and aerospace activities which will build upon the cluster already established around RAAF Edinburgh,” planning documents state.

“Additional employment/industrial land is proposed to be provided in this locality in part because of the high-quality major road and rail infrastructure.

“There is also potential for connection to high-quality telecommunications infrastructure.”

An area in Adelaide's northern suburbs that would be rezoned away from farming land to an employment zone for a defence and aerospace precinct near the RAAF Base, at Penfield.

Defence and Space Industries Minister Stephen Mullighan said the state’s defence industry was growing and the proposed move presented “an opportunity to further reinforce our reputation as the defence state”.

Among factors influencing the timing of the proposal is development of a deep-maintenance facility to service the Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft on the southern side of Womma Road, “with access to the RAAF Base is expected to be a catalyst for other development in the area affected”, planning documents state.

The proposed precinct could provide additional services and infrastructure to complement the $200m deep-maintenance facility.

The defence precinct would be built near the RAAF Base in Edinburgh. Picture: Ben Clark

Womma Rd would require upgrading, the documents say.

Farms would not be pushed out, but “externalities” from new uses of the land could affect operations.

According to planning documents, there is “significant interest” in land for employment-related development within the Playford Council area but it was difficult to secure.

State government and Playford Council, which proposed the code amendment, will investigate the rezoning proposal before it goes to community consultation.

Mayor Glenn Docherty said the land was ideally positioned to “support the development of a secure and integrated defence precinct alongside RAAF Base Edinburgh and the existing industry cluster”.

An area in Adelaide's northern suburbs that would be rezoned away from farming land to an employment zone for a defence and aerospace precinct near the RAAF Base, at Penfield.

“It will help attract new investment, enhance South Australia’s defence sector, and contribute to our nation’s sovereign capability,” he said.

“For Playford, it represents an opportunity to secure long-term economic growth, expand the existing local defence industry, and create the jobs needed to support

our rapidly growing population.”

Originally published as New Penfield defence precinct proposed next to RAAF base to expand industry, ‘future proof’ region for jobs