Premier Peter Malinauskas unveils ambitious parklands plan as SA’s population swells

New suburban parklands larger than those surrounding the city have been unveiled by Premier Peter Malinauskas. Find out where.

• Urban sprawl limit axed for 61,000 homes

Suburban northern parklands larger than those surrounding Adelaide city are pinpointed in a 30-year development plan, aimed at growing the state’s population to almost two million.

Released by Premier Peter Malinauskas, the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan pinpoints growth areas for 315,000 homes and 254,000 jobs.

No new general infill development areas are planned after Mr Malinauskas on Monday condemned the uncontrolled carve-up of suburban streets.

The Advertiser on Monday revealed the government would this week reverse previous Labor policy by introducing legislation to overturn greenfield housing development bans to open up land for 61,000 homes.

Released by Mr Malinauskas at a Committee for Economic Development of Australia lunch on Monday, the development plan effectively confirms a draft released last September.

Northern Park Lands Gawler River Linear Park. Picture: Supplied

The new parklands will be bigger than those in the city. Picture: Supplied

The new parklands are part of the 30-year-plan. Picture: Supplied

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas released the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan on Monday. Picture: NewsWire / Tim Joy

An artists impression of the Northern Park Lands Wetlands. Picture: Supplied

It allows for the creation of almost 1000ha of Northern Park Lands centred on a Kudla growth area, following the Gawler and South Para rivers, designed to ensure open space and sports facilities to support new homes.

The park lands will include a 70ha Village Green sport and recreation area, the equivalent of 31 Adelaide Ovals in size, including ovals, courts and clubrooms. More than 760ha will be preserved for natural open space.

The Gawler area will be encircled by three linear parks, delivered over multiple stages, touted as including 38km of shared-used walking and cycling paths in a continuous loop.

Mr Malinauskas told the Adelaide Convention Centre lunch the plan was linked to jobs, saying it was an economic policy designed to stimulate growth.

”South Australia is on the cusp of an exciting economic future but to realise that potential we need to plan for where more people will live, work and play,” he said.

”We have seen the outcome where proper planning has not taken place. Poor planning costs communities in lost amenity, productivity and increased taxes.

”By identifying areas of growth and preserving land for future infrastructure, we are saving taxpayers’ money and helping appropriately budget for the long term.”

Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia accused Labor of grand promises but failing to deliver a single new house on four greenfield sites announced two years ago, because of a failure to ensure infrastructure was in place.

“We’ve heard the big announcements before – whether that be hydrogen, ramping or land releases but what’s missing is action. 61,000 homes? Let’s start with one,” he said.

Mr Malinauskas said legislation would be introduced to establish a statutory authority, called the Northern Park Lands Trust, to be responsible for maintenance and management.

This would be similar to the West Beach Trust, which includes representatives from three councils, and oversees two golf courses, accommodation, sports facilities and a boat haven.

Originally published as Premier Peter Malinauskas unveils ambitious parklands plan as SA’s population swells