Council releases vision for land west of Port Wakefield Road
City of Salisbury has endorsed a high-level report outlining its vision for the future of land located between Port Wakefield Road and the coast.
The vision identifies actions to capitalise on the unique character of 10 key planning areas to deliver additional employment lands and housing, leverage recreation and eco-tourism opportunities and protect our unique coastal environment.
Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM said the area west of Port Wakefield Road presented Council’s most significant opportunity to shape the City to meet the future needs of our growing community in line with Council’s City Plan 2035.
Salisbury is committed to leading the way in highlighting and creating the planning opportunities that will best serve our community, while working to fulfil our vision as a progressive, sustainable and connected City.
This report is the first step in unlocking the potential that exists in the area west of Port Wakefield Road, which has the ability to accommodate more than 12,000 new houses, while enabling employment opportunities with easy accessibility to key transport corridors.
There are also environmental benefits to be tapped into that recognise the important role St Kilda can play in delivering a regionally significant eco-tourism destination as the gateway to the International Bird Sanctuary and Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
The ten planning areas considered within the structure plan for the west of Port Wakefield Road include:
- Future Strategic Employment: This area presents a significant opportunity for economic growth with potential rezoning to support locally accessible new jobs, increasing employment lands in Salisbury by up to 30 per cent. Council will consider the suitability of a variety of land uses, including an eco-industrial park, transport logistics, manufacturing and places of worship.
- Defence: Under federal government ownership, this area houses a defence radar facility and has been identified as a key consideration in any infrastructure plans regarding the surrounding land.
- St Kilda Township Tourism and Boating: While retaining the existing character of the St Kilda township, this area represents exciting opportunities for eco-tourism and is key to Council’s tourism strategy with attractions including the playground, bird sanctuary, boating and mangroves.
- Bolivar/ Eco Industry/ Biodiversity: Owned by SA Water, this area includes the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant, solar generation and significant buffer areas. This presents opportunities to extend existing stormwater, biodiversity and cycling corridors.
- Environmental and Coastal Rehabilitation: This sensitive ecological area is of high value, providing important environmental habitat for land-based, coastal and marine species. It is the gateway to the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary and Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Preservation of this area is critical to ensuring the future of important species.
- Accommodation and Services: This area currently includes accommodation facilities and service stations. Council will consider the potential to expand these and other appropriate land uses in this area.
- Biodiversity and Open Space Corridor: At the coastal end of the Little Para River, this is an important environmental asset supporting stormwater management, biodiversity and informal recreational opportunities. Future opportunities include enhancing existing remnant vegetation through planting programs, wetlands and developing educational programs.
- Equestrian and Rural Living: Council has committed to maintaining the existing rural living character, equestrian activities and Globe Derby Park and ensuring future development in adjacent precincts recognises its unique character.
- Masterplanned Community (Salt Pans Development): With an area of 950 hectares, this precinct represents the region’s most significant opportunity for a master-planned residential community, with up to 15,000 houses. A coordinated approach between government and private landowners is critical to ensure future development meets community needs and is environmentally sound.
- Shunting Yard and Cavan Industry: A low priority, the future role of the shunting yard would need to be considered if the freight rail route were to be realigned along the Northern Expressway in the future.
The next step for Council will be to develop a Strategic Growth Framework for the planning areas 1, 2, 6 and 7. Further work will include assessing required infrastructure, appropriate land uses, staging of any rezoning and public consultation. Details on each planning area will be available within a report to be uploaded on Council’s website.
