The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed new Federal and South Australian Government funding aimed at supporting housing development through improved enabling infrastructure.
Under an $801.5 million joint package, the two governments have committed to fast-tracking infrastructure and construction to support nearly 7,000 new homes for first home buyers, with the first dwellings expected to be delivered in 2027-28.
ALGA President, Mayor Matt Burnett, said the announcement represented an important step in addressing long-standing calls for investment in essential infrastructure to support new communities.
Mayor Burnett said new housing developments required more than residential construction alone.
“A new development isn’t only about building houses – it’s about having the roads, the power, and the water connections a community needs,” Burnett said.
“ALGA has long been calling for stronger funding for enabling infrastructure to support housing supply. It’s one of the biggest barriers to housing supply and affordability.”
The funding package aims to accelerate infrastructure delivery to support the construction of 6,877 homes, helping to address housing shortages and improve access to affordable housing in South Australia.
ALGA research has found that at least $5.7 billion is required nationally to fund the enabling infrastructure needed to bridge the gap between current housing construction and the target of 1.2 million new homes over the next five years.
Mayor Burnett said further investment would be required to meet long-term housing demand, particularly at the local government level.
“We know much more is needed to meet future housing needs. It’s encouraging to see governments working together, and we’d like to see more funding flow to enabling infrastructure, especially to local governments,” Burnett said.
