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Development and Business

Barossa Growth and Character Planning

We’re planning for future growth and preservation of the region’s rural character.

Our Growth and Character Preservation community consultation, conducted in May and June 2023, attracted over 700 pieces of community feedback. We asked the community to identify key considerations for growth and infrastructure for each township, and opportunities to preserve the special character of the Barossa.

The community feedback will help inform the direction for the Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, as well as the Barossa Character Area Review.

At the September 2023 Council Meeting, Council endorsed the Summary Report prepared by URPS for public release. The full Council report, including community responses, can be found on page 128 of the September Council agenda.

More information is available at Barossa Growth and Character Planning on Your Say Barossa.

On this page

Timeline

Background Research and Stakeholder Workshop

People talking around a table
January 2023
Background analysis on strategic setting, analysis around key themes and lot supply analysis for townships. Early engagement with stakeholder groups to help shape discussion around Barossa growth.

Community engagement

The Barossa Council staff and community member completing a form on the ipad
May 2023
Consultation on the Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, and the Barossa Character Preservation District Review, is open.

Consultation on a draft Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy

Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy
February 2024
This is an upcoming stage for Barossa growth planning. Draft Strategy is made available for consultation in early 2024.

Character Preservation District Overlay Review

External building shot of the stone walled Old Union Chapel Penrice and surrounding gardens
June 2024
This is an upcoming stage for Barossa character planning. Policy statements for Character Preservation District Review are drafted in late 2023/early 2024.

Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy adopted

Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy
March 2024
This is an upcoming stage for Barossa growth planning. Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy is adopted by Council early to mid 2024.

Character Preservation District Overlay Code Amendment

Old Union Chapel front entrance
June 2024
This is an upcoming stage for Barossa character planning. Initiation of a Character Preservation District Overlay Code Amendment pending support by the State Planning Commission in 2024.

FAQs

Townships within the Character Preservation District are subject to boundaries that are enshrined in the legislation. For changes to be made to boundaries, a Bill would need to be prepared and supported through both houses of Parliament. Council can play an advocacy role in relation to legislation but does not have a role in the creation of legislation. Changes are also required to the Planning and Design Code, which can only be amended through a Code Amendment.

The spatial area of the district comprises the majority of The Barossa Council and portion of Councils of Light Regional, Mid Murray and Adelaide Hills.

The Character Preservation (Barossa Valley) Act 2012 was introduced in 2013 to recognise and protect the special character of the Barossa Valley district. The legislation identifies five key character values and requires that development be undertaken in accordance with the character values. The legislation also prevents the creation of additional residential allotments outside of defined townships and rural living areas.

As a result of the State Government’s planning reforms in early 2021, local Development Plans were replaced by the Planning and Design Code. The Code introduced the Character Preservation Districts Overlay. Through the transition to the Code, it has been identified that there is a need to make improvements to policies for this important area.

The Concordia Growth Area is identified for future housing within The 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide. It is anticipated that an additional 10,000 homes could be built in the growth area over the next 25 years, accommodating about 20-25,000 new residents. The approximately 950ha growth area is located entirely within The Barossa Council area and is currently zoned Rural. The State Government is leading a high level Infrastructure and Structure Planning process.

The Barossa Council has experienced strong population growth with an increase of 6.27% between 2016 and 2021. Growth requires careful planning to ensure it can be appropriately accommodated and serviced, while ensuring the core liveability and environmental characteristics of the region are protected.

The Strategy also seeks to support Council’s advocacy efforts to influence the update of The 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide by the State Government. The State Planning Commission released for consultation the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan Discussion Paper on 14 August 2023 and the consultation will conclude on 6 November 2023. Council has opportunity to make submission to the State Planning Commission.

Related documents

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