South Australia has finalised planning reforms to boost the supply of seniors housing, adopting key recommendations from the Retirement Living Council’s Retirement Ready national planning report card.
Following public consultation that closed on 27 February 2025, and amid calls from The Weekly SOURCE on 13 October for Planning Minister Nick Champion to lift building height limits for large retirement villages and supported living projects, the Government has approved the Accommodation Diversity Code Amendment.
Under the changes, retirement village developments on sites of 6,500-10,000m² can reach four storeys, while projects on sites above 10,000m² can rise to six storeys in designated zones.
The State Commission Assessment Panel will also assess major retirement living proposals above four storeys to streamline approvals and reduce delays.
The reform builds on recent policy wins for the sector, including the inclusion of retirement villages and supported accommodation in the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan, and recognition of villages co-located with aged care as “essential infrastructure” – underscoring their role in easing housing shortages, hospital pressure and delivering better wellbeing outcomes.
“Retirement village operators tell us these changes will fundamentally reshape their development plans for the better,” Retirement Living Council Executive Director Daniel Gannon said.
“Capital ultimately goes where it’s welcome. Changes of this nature send a strong signal to investors that the government is open for business and understands the link between the housing crisis, hospital pressure and wellbeing outcomes.”
David Moran, CEO of Southern Cross Care SA, VIC & NT, said the announcement does not currently alter the Not For Profit’s infill redevelopment plans, but “should support the development impetus of a number of quality projects by other operators” in South Australia.
