Concordia Scheme Unlocks Land for Thriving New Community

A major step forward in South Australia’s residential development pipeline has been confirmed, with the approval of the Concordia Basic Infrastructure Scheme, a game-changing initiative set to unlock land for up to 12,000 new homes north of Adelaide.

Located just 40 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD and connected via the Gawler rail line, the Concordia Growth Area will be purpose-built to accommodate a growing population of up to 30,000 residents over the next 30 years. The scheme outlines how critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, sewerage, water, power, stormwater, and communications networks will be planned, funded, and delivered in a co-ordinated way, enabling large-scale housing development across fragmented landholdings.

One of the key outcomes of the scheme is its ability to resolve the complex challenge of piecemeal infrastructure delivery. With land ownership in the area divided among multiple stakeholders, the introduction of clear funding and delivery mechanisms will allow developers and landowners to collectively contribute to the costs of infrastructure while ensuring that vital services are in place to support new communities from day one.

The approval of a code amendment alongside the infrastructure scheme paves the way for a vibrant and diverse masterplanned community. Plans include a new town centre, several shopping precincts with main streets, a variety of housing types and densities, and a strong focus on affordability and accessibility. In addition to housing, the area will feature generous open space for recreation, a 24-hectare employment zone supporting commercial, light industrial, and business use, and designated sites for education, community and emergency services.

Importantly, new planning rules will guide environmental protection and urban greening, including specific measures to protect existing trees and mandate new plantings as the community grows. A new framework will also be introduced for setting aside land for schools and essential services, ensuring the layout and land use of the new suburb meets long-term community needs.

While rezoning will not take effect until the infrastructure planning and funding timelines are finalised, the groundwork is now firmly laid. An independent scheme coordinator will take responsibility for detailed infrastructure planning and costing, enabling a smooth and strategic rollout of development across the area.

The economic implications are substantial. It’s estimated the Concordia development will generate $9.3 billion in economic value and create 1,370 jobs annually, a massive boost for the region and a key driver of opportunity in the state’s construction and development sectors.

For those of us working in construction and infrastructure recruitment, this is an exciting signal. The next three decades will bring a consistent demand for skilled trades, engineers, project managers, planners, and support staff, with opportunities across both civil infrastructure and residential construction.

At Marble, we recognise the importance of projects like Concordia that combine long-term vision with practical, considered planning. This is about more than just homes. It’s about creating a thriving, connected and sustainable community that will support jobs, families, and local business for generations to come.

The Concordia Growth Area is proof that when the right planning and partnerships come together, big things happen, and the future of residential development in South Australia looks incredibly bright.