Government Ignoring Agriculture’s Concerns in Greater Adelaide Regional Plan

Livestock SA was surprised by the Malinauskas Government’s Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP) announcement yesterday and is concerned that it prioritises urban expansion at the expense of prime agricultural land.

The government’s own policy previously recognised the importance of protecting food-producing regions, stating that these areas must be preserved to support food security, economic growth, and South Australia’s global reputation as a premium producer of food and fibre. Now, this commitment has been abandoned to make way for urban sprawl, despite clear warnings from industry leaders and rural communities.

Livestock SA Chair, Gillian Fennell said the organisation absolutely understood and appreciated the need for affordable housing, which was also a very real challenge for the red meat and livestock industry in many regional areas, but swapping crops for concrete was not the answer.

“South Australian agriculture feeds and clothes people living in our state and nation and is an integral part of global food security.”

“Livestock SA is concerned that within a few short years the government’s rhetoric has gone from acknowledging our food-producing and agricultural areas “assets to be protected” to simply house blocks.”

“The Environment and Food Production Areas (EFPAs) were created to safeguard South Australia’s most arable and productive land from urban sprawl.”

“The government talks about strategic planning, but where is the long-term vision for agriculture? Once this land is lost, it is lost forever – there is no going back. Urban growth should not come at the cost of our ability to produce food and fibre.”

“The cost-of-living crisis is impacting all South Australians. Pushing agriculture into less suitable land that is less reliable and will require higher inputs will only further increase food prices in the longer term.”

“South Australia is already one of the most urbanised jurisdictions in Australia, with 4 out of 5 people living in the Greater Adelaide area.”

“Livestock SA would welcome a future focussed discussion about how we can provide greater opportunities and supporting policies, including housing affordability, to encourage population growth in regional towns rather than further urban sprawl into prime agricultural land.”

“Well-planned regional development can provide economic benefits, ease housing pressure in the city, and strengthen rural communities.”

“Livestock SA urges the government to halt proposed changes until the 2027 EFPA review can be completed with full consultation, ensuring agriculture has a permanent voice in planning decisions that impact its future. South Australia needs a balanced plan that protects both housing needs and vital farmland to safeguard food security, economic sustainability, and climate resilience.”

ENDS

Media Contact:
Hannah Trevilyan
Communications and Membership Manager
Livestock SA
08 8297 2299