This page covers the legislation that underpins Development Assessment processes in the Town of Gawler and throughout South Australia.
The SA Government projections are the best place to start. The updated Plan SA Population Projections 2021 to 2041 were released in March 2024. The main series that is analyzed is the medium population projection series. However, the State Government is using the High Projection Series for Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP). The State Government has not released the low population projection series.
Growth in Outer North
The Outer North region covers a large area north of Adelaide with approximately 11 major development fronts. These include: Craigmore, Elizabeth, Munno Para West Angel Vale, Riverlea and Virginia in Playford. Parts of Barossa (Concordia), Light (Roseworthy) Adelaide Plains (Lewiston and Two Wells) and Gawler.
In the Outer North area, a high growth rate is approximately 4% pa while medium rate is 3% per annum. The key documents on population projections for the State Government are provided at: https://plan.sa.gov.au/state_snapshot/population/population-projections
Greater Adelaide Regional Plan
On 17 March 2025, the State Planning Commission released the final version of the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP), which outlines how growth will occur in Greater Adelaide over the next 30 years.
The Plan includes extensive areas of land within the Town of Gawler around Kudla being identified for future urban development.
Other key features of the Plan include the proposed Northern Park Lands, a relocated Kudla Railway Station, and greening along Dalkeith Road.
A Structure Plan is identified for development over the next two years with a Master Plan for the Northern Park Lands in the next 12 months.
Please follow the links below for further details about the plan:
Council endorsed the Southern Rural Areas (SRA) Discussion Paper in September 2024.
The SRA covers over 1,500 hectares and focuses on five key precincts:
Precinct 1: Hillier and part of Kudla
Precinct 2: Kulda Affected Area
Precinct 3: Evanston South
Precinct 4: Gawler Foothills
Precinct 5: Gawler River Corridor
A copy of the SRA Discussion Paper is provided – click HERE to view
Council engaged Jensen PLUS to undertake a land use plan for Gawler. The Gawler Growth Framework Land Use Plan (G2046) sets out Council’s strategic vision for future planning and land use outcomes within Town of Gawler.
After extensive community engagement (seven months) Council adopted the Growth Framework in September 2024. The Gawler Growth Framework is provided click HERE to view
Southern Rural Areas Water Recycling Investigations (2024)
Council administration commissioned a water infrastructure report, completed by Pinion Advisory in May 2024 to investigate availability of recycled water for existing and new horticultural businesses in Hillier/Kudla area. The preferred option identified in the report is a direct connection to Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS) from Bolivar to access the Gawler Water Reuse Scheme (GWRS).
Gawler Southern Sporting Precinct – Demand Analysis (2024)
The Southern Sporting Precinct could relocate South Gawler Sporting Club (Australian rules, cricket, and netball) and the Gawler RSL Sub-Branch. These long-standing community organisations are significantly constrained by their current small sites. There is currently demand for two additional ovals and four netball courts in addition to the RSL Sub Branch. The report has been provided to the Planning Commission and estimates the sporting precinct will require 20 hectares.
Gawler Town Centre, Retail & Commercial Market Analysis (2023)
The Gawler, Town Centre Analysis provides a projection of retail and commercial growth in the Gawler CBD.
Key outcome: Identified need for an additional 16,000 sqm of retail and commercial space by 2046.
Town of Gawler, Land Supply and Population Trends 2023 – 2046 (2023)
Town of Gawler with Alinea built a population model for the Gawler Region using ABS and Town of Gawler data. The report provided some initial population projections for the Town of Gawler and its Primary and Secondary Trade Area. However, for detailed data on population growth in the Gawler LGA, please refer to the State Government’s Plan SA Population Projections 2021 to 2041.
Gawler, Employment Land Analysis (2023)
The study was undertaken to determine the need or otherwise for employment land in Gawler. Alinea undertook an Employment Lands Analysis for Gawler. Key outcome: The report identified need for an additional 20 hectares of employment land.
Gawler Car Parking Deck Study
The parking deck study includes an updated retail/commercial floor space model to 2046 for the Town of Gawler.
The Planning and Design Code governs the implementation of the planning, building, design and zoning system for South Australia. It is subject to ongoing strategic reviews and amendments to ensure that planning trends and community issues are balanced, reflecting the desired future character for the area.
Changes to the Planning and Design Code are called Code Amendments. Code Amendments can be prepared by either the Council, State Planning Commission, Government Agency or a land owner.
Code Amendments are notified and released for public consultation in accord with the Community Engagement Charter under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 and a specific Engagement Plan relevant to the Amendment.
After the consultation period finishes, all submissions including those from the public and government agencies are reviewed and addressed in an Engagement Report, including any further necessary policy amendments as considered appropriate. The proposed Code Amendment is provided to the Planning Commission which makes recommendations to the Minister for Planning. The Minister for Planning then has the opportunity to formally authorise the Code Amendment, make further amendments or not proceed.
A list of Code Amendments initiated, on consultation or being finalised is provided on the PlanSA web-site.
The Charter sets out consultation requirements for proposed amendments to the Planning and Design Code.
The Community Engagement Charter must be used when initiating an amendment to an operational statutory instrument.
The Planning Commission reviews the performance of the Charter and Guide as it tests it in the delivery of the new planning system for South Australia.
This ensures that people and communities have a greater opportunity to “have a say” in developing planning policy for our state.
Public focus groups and ongoing consultation shaped the Charter’s five engagement principles.
Those participating told us that they wanted engagement that is:
* genuine
* inclusive and respectful
* fit for purpose
* informed and transparent
* reviewed and improved.
The State Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing and maintaining the Charter and has the authority to determine whether compliance with the Charter principles have been met prior to decisions being made. Detail on the role of the Community Engagement Charter and how it is applied is listed at the Plan SA site below.
Community engagement charter | PlanSA
Proponent Led Code Amendments
Under a proponent-led Code Amendment the responsibility for communications with the community is with the Designated Entity and its officers, usually consultants.
The proponent is required to undertake an Engagement Plan. The proponent usually must seek approval from the Commission prior to commencement of community engagement on the draft Code Amendment.
Six steps for a Code Amendment
Bold text denotes where Council can participate in a proponent led Code Amendment
Council engaged SMEC to develop the Gawler Integrated Transport Strategy 2046 (GITS 2046), which was adopted by Council in October 2024.
GITS 2046 sets the vision for the future of transport in Gawler. It brings together an understanding of the current and future transport network within Gawler, and the aspirations of users. The Gawler Integrated Transport Strategy 2046 is provided - click here to view