Greener growth that’s right for Gawler
This year, we have been working with Town of Gawler and SMEC on a long-term plan to manage population growth and change over the long term.
“We all know that there is a lot of pressure on housing supply and infrastructure at the moment, but rather than being guided solely by population projections, our planning approach has been to analyse opportunities (urban and non-urban) and create a long-term or ‘ultimate’ land use plan that is ‘right for Gawler’,” says Michael McKeown, Jensen PLUS Director.
Currently open for consultation, the draft Gawler Growth Framework plans for significant urban growth.
“Approximately 10,000 additional homes are planned for, which could see the town’s population grow to 50,000 over time. Much of this is already zoned for housing, and the plan also allows for infill development.”
The plan proposes additional urban development land to the south of the town, on flat and publicly owned land with rail and other infrastructure adjacent.
The Framework proposes revising the inter-urban break or ‘green belt’ to maintain a separation between Playford and Gawler.
“This is an important planning objective and an area of strong community interest,” says Michael.
“We believe this can be a mix of open spaces and also some very low-density housing in a treed setting at Kudla.
“To the west, closer to the Gawler River around Hiller, horticultural and agricultural lands should be retained as these are an important economic and food resource, and a regional landscape corridor.”
A new 20 hectare sports precinct is also earmarked for the area, along with east-west street connections, community infrastructure, and a mixed-use local centre with new housing choices around a new railway station that has been suggested in the heart of the growth area.
Two community drop-in sessions have been well attended by residents, providing constructive feedback and allowing time for detailed discussion about planning issues and processes.
The draft Gawler Growth Framework is now open for consultation until 18th August 2024 and provides Town of Gawler’s perspective into the South Australian Government’s new Greater Adelaide Regional Plan.
Download the Gawler Growth Framework and share your comments on the Town of Gawler website.
Read more about the project here.
