Regional Blueprint for South Australia

The State’s economic progress, its social cohesion and the development of its natural resources depends entirely on the economic performance, social vitality and natural resource management of all its regions. There is no meaningful sense in which the State transcends the sum of its regional component parts.

Unfortunately the State’s regions have endured a series of shocks including drought, bushfires and now the COVID-19 pandemic. There is consequently a need for region specific plans and investment to support recovery and drive economic and social prosperity post the pandemic.

In order to facilitate economic recovery amid a radically different economic environment, Regional Development South Australia has developed The Regional Blueprint which provides a strategic reference document that all levels of government and key stakeholders can use to identify regional priorities and infrastructure needs. The blueprint outlines the key economic and social development priorities for each region, informed by wide consultation undertaken with the regions. It includes an Economic Foreword by the SA Centre for Economic Studies.

South Australia’s regions are diverse and their needs consequently differ. For example, the lead priorities identified range from water resources to support agriculture and industry (Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains), unlocking transport and access solutions through transport infrastructure (Far North), boosting the working age population to help address skill needs (Limestone Coast), and ensuring well planned and managed population growth (Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island).

Common needs that were identified include boosting labour force participation, skills and labour force development to meet the needs of industry and business, attracting or facilitating investment, and establishing infrastructure and technology to connect communities and markets.