ALGA’s call for enabling infrastructure funding recognised for South Australians

The joint announcement by the Federal and South Australian governments of a deal to build nearly 7,000 new homes for first home buyers backs in ALGA’s urgent call for funding for enabling infrastructure.

Under the $801.5 million package, the governments have jointly committed to fast-tracking infrastructure and construction, with the delivery of the first of 6,877 in 2027/28.

ALGA President, Mayor Matt Burnett, said the announcement was a welcome first step in addressing ongoing calls for funds to provide the infrastructure building blocks needed for new communities.

“A new development isn’t only about building houses – it’s about having the roads, the power, the water connections a community needs,” Mayor Burnett said.

“ALGA has long been calling for stronger funding for enabling infrastructure to support housing supply. It’s one of the biggest barriers to housing supply and affordability.”

ALGA research shows that the cost of building the enabling infrastructure needed to cover the gap between current housing constructions and the national target of 1.2 million new homes in the next five years is at least $5.7 billion.

“We know much more is needed to meet future housing needs. It’s great to see the Federal Government and South Australia working together, and we’d like to see more funding flow to enabling infrastructure, especially to local governments,” Mayor Burnett said.