Christine Webster, Murray Pioneer
Swan Reach, west of Morgan, plus Truro and Mannum, have been suggested as having the most potential for accommodating development in a draft Growth Management and Housing Strategy for the Mid Murray.
Mid Murray Council has released a draft of the plan to the community and is seeking feedback on its recommendations.
The Federal Government provided funding towards developing the strategy as part of its $1.5bn Housing Support Program.
The program aims to help achieve the National Housing Accord’s target of building 1.2 million new, well-located homes over five years, from July 1, 2024.
Mid Murray Council has engaged Adelaide-based planning firm URPS to prepare the growth strategy.
The document outlines key principles for supporting residential growth, prioritising Mannum, Swan Reach and Truro as focus areas for council investment.
“Regarding employment land, there is a reasonable provision across the council area,” the study said.
“However continued employment land planning is essential for long-term economic sustainability.”
The draft strategy said the River Murray Dark Sky Reserve presented significant economic development opportunities across several industries including tourism, science, and defence.
The reserve covers more than 3200km2 in the Mid Murray district, and its core site is located within the Swan Reach Conservation Park.
Significant economic potential for intensive agricultural production, processing, and ancillary industries have been identified in the Rural Intensive Enterprise Zone, west of Morgan, according to the draft strategy.
Mid Murray Mayor Simone Bailey said the draft Growth Management and Housing Strategy was developed following community and stakeholder engagement late last year.
She said the document provided a strategic direction to accommodate envisaged growth and stimulate economic activity.
“It aims to assist council in where it needs to strategically invest in infrastructure to support the identified growth opportunities,” Ms Bailey said.
Mid Murray Council is seeking feedback on the draft strategy, which elected members endorsed at last month’s council meeting to release for community engagement.
Ms Bailey said council was keen to receive community input on the strategy’s content and direction.
“We are keen to hear whether there is support for the focus on the three townships of Mannum, Truro, and Swan Reach,” she said.
Ms Bailey said feedback on the objectives and development opportunities identified for each of the nine planning areas was also being sought.
A survey on the draft strategy is part of the consultation.
The community consultation opened on April 28, and closes at 5pm on Monday May 26.
To view the draft strategy and take part in the consultation process and survey visit the website (www.mid-murray.sa.gov.au/council/latest-news/draft-mid-murray-growth-management-and-housing-strategy).
Ms Bailey said the strategy will also be used to help inform the new Murray Mallee Regional Plan that has been prepared by the State Planning Commission and is also out for public consultation until June 17.
This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 21 May 2025.
