For those who would like to view the presentation from the community meeting, click here

The future has become clearer for more than 130 residents and landholders from across Kudla, Evanston Gardens, Evanston South and Hillier who attended yesterday’s ‘Future of the Southern of Gawler Area’ Community Meeting.

Following the Malinauskas Labor Government’s Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP) release on 17 March 2025, Tony Piccolo MP and Minister for Planning, the Hon Nick Champion MP, organised the meeting to discuss how the GARP would affect their area.

The GARP seeks to plot South Australia’s growth for the next thirty years, identifying where 315,00 new homes will be built, ensuring the preservation of land whilst planning the future infrastructure needs of these new communities.

Mr Piccolo, who also organised several community forums during the consultation stage of the draft GARP, said the plans were welcomed by attendees.

“We had over 130 RSVPs for the event, but far more attended with standing room only as we packed the Gawler Eagles Clubrooms,” said Mr Piccolo.

“This forum was designed to answer questions from residents and landowners and provide information on some possible timelines for development to commence.

“Understandably, there is a keen interest in understanding the next steps and what this vision means for those residents and landholders.

“The release of the GARP is only the start of the process.”

Minister Champion was in attendance, and is pleased residents and State Government are on the same page in what is a significant milestone for the region’s future.

“The northern growth front of Two Wells, Roseworthy and Kudla will play a significant part in the State’s future, providing the houses for future generations to call home,” said Minister Champion.  

“Master planned development in Kudla is a no-brainer, its next to a train-line, two major roads in Main North Road and the Northern Expressway, with critical water infrastructure on its doorstep”.

“The opportunity to develop this land, whilst retaining Gawler’s Greenbelt and establishing the Northern Parklands provides these communities with a once in a generation opportunity.”

“For the first time in a generation, there is now an agreed direction and certainty over what will happen in the Southern Gawler Rural areas and it is important the State Government work with the local community on delivering that vision.”.

Questions from the audience centred on the timeframes over the delivery of vision – from critical infrastructure – public transport, water and sewerage, to community and sporting facilities along with how the Northern Parklands would rehabilitate the banks of the Gawler River.

Residents and landowners were advised that the State Government would be leading the Kudla Code Amendment to ensure that all planning and infrastructure considerations are considered.

An Infrastructure Scheme will also be established for the area providing an equitable contribution of the critical infrastructure required.

“Over the coming years the master planning for this community will occur, which will determine what is required, where it will be located and how it will be delivered,” Minister Champion explained.

“It will determine, the appropriate block sizes but it is my expectation that there will a blend of larger, premium blocks will be included in a Kudla Sub-Zone backing onto the Northern Parklands, with the opportunity for greater density around the Trainline and Village Centre”.

It is anticipated that the preliminary stages of the Northern Parklands will be developed over the next three years on land currently held by the Government’s Development Agency, Renewal SA.

These land holdings will be the foundation of the Village Green and Sporting facilities, paving the way for South Gawler Football and Netball Clubs and other sports to relocate and call the Northern Parklands their home.  

Mr Piccolo advised residents that Kudla “wouldn’t be developed tomorrow”, but “the GARP provided the clearest vision and direction for Kudla in my time in public life”.

“There is the potential for enormous uplift in land value through this area,” said Mr Piccolo.

“But ensuring that water and sewerage can get there will be critical in realising that value.

Mr Piccolo did warn that “developers will come and knock on your door” and said residents should “please consider those offers, seek individual advice from the appropriate professionals, and make informed decisions for the interests of you and your loved ones”.

“I welcome the Minister’s commitment to make himself and his department available to answer individual questions from residents and landowners” Mr Piccolo said.

“I would encourage everyone with an interest in Kudla to continue to engage with forums such as these, as together we shape the future of the Southern of Gawler Area”.