The Minister for Planning has adopted the Sellicks Beach Growth Area Joint Amendment.

The Amendment changes both the Planning and Design Code and the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan. The Minister has also applied the Coordinated Development Overlay to defer urban development until the land is deemed suitable for the intended land use (that is subject to outcomes of air quality monitoring and securing infrastructure commitments).

Council at its meeting 14 October 2025 considered a report and approved a submission on the Amendment. Council also resolved to include two community submissions and associated deputation summaries.

Below is a table showing the issues and concerns included in Council's submission on the Amendment and the response provided by DHUD.

Copies of the Determination Documents and the engagement report can be viewed via the PlanSA portal for more information about the consultation and how stakeholder feedback was considered in finalising the Joint Amendment.

	Key engagement issues and concerns included in Council's submission to DHUD	Department for Housing and Urban Development (DHUD) response
Air quality and quarry	The most significant issue raised by the community related to concerns about air quality and health impacts associated with the nearby Sellicks Hill Quarry – concern was expressed about residential development proceeding without robust understanding of existing air quality evidence.	DHUD initiated an independent, long term air quality monitoring and assessment program (commenced in November 2024), overseen by a cross government working group including the EPA, SA Health and the Department for Energy and Mining. Development is deferred through the Coordinated Development Overlay, with residential zoning activation contingent on monitoring outcomes (concludes April 2026) demonstrating suitability for housing.
Environmental impacts	Submissions raised concern to potential impacts on native vegetation, habitat connectivity, local watercourses and the Aldinga Washpool. Some submissions opposed urban development entirely, advocating for conservation outcomes in lieu of housing.	Ecological investigations have informed the spatial application of land uses. Environmental protections have been embedded through the retention and application of Native Vegetation Overlay and Regulated Tree Overlay, identification of greenways, water courses and buffers in concept plans, in addition to the application of the Urban Tree Canopy Overlay across the site.
Housing diversity, affordability and density	Questions were raised about whether the proposal would deliver housing diversity and meaningful affordable housing outcomes, in addition to concerns for the delivery of up to 1700 dwellings.	DHUD has maintained 1700 dwellings to inform the investigations, and in response to continued growing housing demand in southern Adelaide and the limited opportunities for future expansion due to the boundaries of the Character Preservation District to help address affordability pressures. An Affordable Housing Overlay applies across the growth area which mandates a minimum 15 per cent affordable housing contribution. Housing diversity (medium density) and mixed use outcomes are encouraged around the emerging activity centre to support walkability and housing choice, with the wider residential density at Sellicks Beach generally expected to be of a lower density. This reflects the unique characteristics of the site, including its topography, surrounding land uses, and the need to protect scenic and character areas.
Activity centre and open space	Clarification was sought regarding the scale and location of a future activity centre, and a significant community feedback requesting for locating public open space adjacent a private business.	To clarify the role and scale of the activity centre, the Concept Plan nominates ‘neighbourhood activity centre’ which the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan identifies as typically providing between 1,500 and 10,000 m2 floor space – this enables a centre to respond to demand. The Concept Plan maintains the 35 metre Noise Buffer to Berg Herring, rather than nominating as open space – this does not preclude the provision of open space in this location. Ultimately, the provision of open space or other interface treatment(s) will be determined through the land division assessment in consultation with the relevant landowner/developer. This assessment will consider relevant council strategies and planning policies to ensure that parks, recreation areas, and green spaces are well-placed, accessible, and meet the needs of all future (and existing) residents.
Infrastructure capacity and delivery	Concerns were raised regarding the availability, timing and funding of essential infrastructure (roads, wastewater, water, open space and community facilities), and the risk of development occurring prior to infrastructure commitments being secured. Additional concern was raised by landowners affected by the mass transit corridor questioning the proposed location and resultant loss of developable land.	The Joint Amendment requires the preparation of an Infrastructure Scheme before development can proceed. An Infrastructure Coordination Overlay has been applied to ensure development sequencing aligns with the provision of essential infrastructure, providing certainty around timing and responsibility. The Infrastructure Coordination Overlay includes a requirement for specific development types to be referred to the Scheme Coordinator to consider and ensure it is consistent with the scheme and to enact the scheme requirements. Regarding the mass transit corridor, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is currently undertaking investigations to explore opportunities for the future extension of public transport services to Sellicks Beach – this work will be subject to a separate consultation and ministerial approval process.
Planning and governance	Industry and Council sought clarity around staging and governance arrangements on requirements and timing of when deferred land would transition to developable urban land.	The application of the Master Planned Neighbourhood Zone, supported by concept plans, overlays and a complying change pathway in the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan, provides the framework for orderly staging. The conditions for a complying code amendment are clearly defined, providing transparency and certainty for government, industry and the community.
Overall assessment		DHUD has adopted a cautious, evidence led and risk managed approach to the Sellicks Beach Growth Area. The Joint Amendment enables long term housing supply while deferring development until air quality, infrastructure and environmental conditions are adequately addressed. This approach balances strategic growth objectives with community, environmental and health considerations.

DHUD has adopted a cautious, evidence led and risk managed approach to the Sellicks Beach Growth Area. The Joint Amendment enables long term housing supply while deferring development until air quality, infrastructure and environmental conditions are adequately addressed. This approach balances strategic growth objectives with community, environmental and health considerations.