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Adelaide’s Outer North alone is expected to grow by 90,000 people by 2041, with similar growth pressures in Aldinga, Victor Harbor and the Adelaide Hills.
RAA is calling on State and Federal Governments to work together now on an infrastructure upgrade program that keeps pace with this rapid growth, particularly in Greater Adelaide’s urban fringes.
RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said the state’s largest membership organisation supports strong population growth as a driver of economic activity, but transport infrastructure upgrades must happen in parallel with housing developments.
“RAA is calling for growth without gridlock,” Mr Reade said.
“We welcome the significant investment in the North-South Corridor, which aligns with major growth areas and will provide vital capacity. However, unless we also invest in the broader transport network, population growth will increase congestion, frustrate commuters and strangle economic activity.
“It’s essential we preserve the unique liveability that makes South Australia a great place to live.
“While there is understandably a large focus on improving water infrastructure and other essential utilities to support housing, we can’t lose sight of transport.
“Not only do we need to upgrade roads in the immediate area of new developments, there are flow-on issues where developments create congestion on other roads and arterials several kilometres away.
“But it’s not just about roads. Expanding public and active transport routes will also help to ensure our infrastructure can cater for future growth by giving people viable alternatives to driving their car for every trip.
“We know there are capacity constraints at the Adelaide Railway Station, making it difficult to add extra train services right now, so we need a plan to address this to allow an expansion of services to get more cars off our roads.”
Mr Reade said South Australia also needs to do far more to encourage active transport options like walking and cycling.
RAA’s transport priorities for a liveable future:
Mr Reade said the scale of growth has made immediate action essential.
“The Outer North grew by 22.6 per cent between 2011 and 2021, reaching 140,000 people,” he said.
“It’s expected to grow by another 90,000 by 2041 – well above Adelaide’s average. Aldinga is forecast to increase 26 per cent, Victor Harbor by 48 per cent and the Gifford Hill development could add 44,000 residents to Murray Bridge.
“Plan SA’s land supply dashboard shows there are currently more than 27,000 lots in Greater Adelaide either ready for housing or with development approval.
“RAA welcomes recent Government initiatives to improve planning for new developments, which includes the introduction of infrastructure schemes and improved coordination between departments. However, we also need to be thinking more about how housing growth will impact the transport network as a whole.
“We know our state doesn’t have an unlimited budget, so we’re keen to work with government to prioritise investment where it’s needed most.
“RAA understands that – much like the rest of the country – South Australia is grappling with a housing crisis, rising cost of living pressures and is in urgent need of more funding for essential infrastructure and services.
“The State Government needs to work with the Federal Government to develop a road infrastructure upgrade program to build on the planning work that has been done in recent years and support housing growth in South Australia.
“Growth without gridlock isn’t just a slogan – it’s essential for South Australia’s future.”
Read RAA’s full 2026 State Election platform.
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