Each Council expressed interest in expansion of housing stock. Appropriate and affordable housing for young people is recognised by all communities as a serious issue if young people are to remain in the region. Each council has land which could be made available for housing development. The region is well positioned to attract young residents by the strategic release of residential land at affordable prices.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Release of residential land at affordable prices has potential to attract investment by housing developers with flow-on effects for construction industry across region. Mannum, Pinnaroo, Lameroo, Karoonda, Tailem Bend, Tintinara and Meningie have potential for housing expansion.
• Urban Growth Management Plan defines residential growth in Murray Bridge & useful guidelines for other regions. Location, lifestyle, land availability, services, proximity to employment in Adelaide or the expanding Rural City of Murray Bridge present opportunities for investment in the housing industry.

RURAL CITY OF MURRAY BRIDGE

The Urban Growth Management Study by QED Pty. Ltd. for the Rural City of Murray Bridge Council has defined residential areas and high-lighted potential for urban infill to support diverse accommodation needs of an aging population. Creative planning could enable changes to large housing allotments to include smaller units, accommodation for young people and more supportive and less demanding environment for older residents. Prospects for new housing developments identified for redevelopment of present Murray Bridge Racing Club site and proposed Equine Centre to include land holdings targeted for horse industry, hobby farmers and conventional residence.

MID MURRAY

Land is available for residential and recreational purposes with appropriate planning to support development. Further development of sought after river view sites may be limited by State Government river planning policies. Areas such as Cadell present opportunities for conversion of fruit blocks for residential use.

KAROONDA EAST MURRAY

Land is available for industry development and subject to planning support can be released at affordable prices to attract an expanding workforce from Murray Bridge. New housing precinct- Ponderosa – is currently available at affordable prices.

SOUTHERN MALLEE

Housing land at attractive prices is available within regional towns. Innovative strategy recently implemented by residents of Pinnaroo brought new residents into land made available at no cost to people prepared to remain in the region. This strategy has potential for further development to support increase in number of younger people in region.

COORONG

Residential land at Meningie and Tailem Bend at affordable prices is attractive to an expanding workforce from Murray Bridge. Lower Lakes area has attraction for retirees and holiday makers and recreational activities. Industry expansion at Tintinara will require expansion of workforce housing.