Social housing in South Australia is now an integral part of development consultations. Photo: SA Housing Trust, Facebook.
The Malinauskas Labor Government in South Australia is restating its commitment to social and affordable housing with the introduction of a new requirement in planning codes after talks with the Greens.
Planning code amendments now have an obligation to consult with the SA Housing Trust.
The provision intends to ensure that social housing opportunities are considered wherever possible.
In a statement issued by the South Australian Government on the new provision, the state’s Greens leader Robert Simms was mentioned for his continued advocacy for “fairness in housing opportunities”.
“This new code amendment process will ensure that this is front of mind for new developments,” Mr Simms said.
”I welcome the constructive way in which the Minister has engaged with the Greens on this issue and look forward to further collaborations in the future.
”Housing is a fundamental human right for every South Australian and we hope that this change will deliver more housing where it’s needed most.”
New code amendments and state housing developments require consultation with various agencies to ensure changes are thoroughly considered and assessed for possible impact on services, environmental standards, infrastructure and community needs.
The Environmental Protection Authority, Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Adelaide Airport, as well as utility providers such as SA Power Networks, must be consulted before changes are made. In 2023, the Department of Education was added to the list of bodies required for consultation before a housing development goes ahead.
Adding the SA Housing Trust as an obligatory part of the development process means new building projects must explore social housing as a possibility.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in the search for more social and affordable housing opportunities,” Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said.
“We are making sure SA Housing Trust has a seat at the table for every code amendment and keeping social housing as part of every conversation that we have around urban development and renewal across the state.
“Public housing is vital to the social fabric of our community – social and affordable housing is and will remain a key part of every major development in South Australia.”
The statement detailing the new policy said restoring trust in South Australia’s public housing system was a priority for the government.
The government has stopped the sale of public housing properties by the previous Liberal government and has committed to a large-scale investment in the public housing system.
