FAQs
Respect Unley’s local character and heritage
Enhance liveability
Respond to evolving community needs
Align with state and regional planning targets.
Delivering the Community Plan Towards 2050
It translates the vision into practical growth strategies that support housing, business, and lifestyle needs.Aligning with State Planning Requirements
It tailors the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan (GARP) targets—3,440 new dwellings and a population of 47,000 by 2050—to the City of Unley’s unique context.Informing the Local Housing Strategy
Required by the State Planning Commission, this strategy will show how the City of Unley will meet its housing targets.Improving Planning Controls
It seeks better design, sustainability, and housing diversity while protecting heritage and character streetscapes.Responding to Local Challenges
It will help Council respond to future challenges facing our community, including:Changes in population demographics
Limited housing options
Limited housing availability
Rising housing unaffordability.
Forecast future needs
It will help Council anticipate the future needs of growing communities, including:Provision of community services
Access to open spaces and greening
Walking and cycling connectivity
Infrastructure demand.
Which areas are most suitable for growth
What types of housing or services are needed
What features are important to keep or improve
(Dates and locations TBA)
(Actions you can take at these sites TBA)
Council-led initiatives: Guided by community aspirations and principles like living locally, resilience, housing diversity, and economic development.
State Government directives: Through GARP and standard zoning provisions.
External trends: for example, climate change, ageing population, AI’s impact on jobs, and housing affordability.
Living Locally: Encouraging people to live, work, and access services within their own neighbourhoods. This supports sustainability, active travel, and community cohesion.
Precinct Planning: Identifying areas with the greatest capacity for growth, including:
Main Streets: Vibrant retail and commercial hubs with complementary housing.
Emerging Precincts: Employment and business growth areas.
Resilient Neighbourhoods: Diverse housing, green spaces, and climate adaptation.
Estimated capacity by 2050:
Up to 6,250 new dwellings (vs. GARP target of 3,440)
Up to 11,550 additional people
Total population: ~up to 52,000
Commercial Mixed Use
Community Facilities
Main Streets
Living Mixed Use
Housing Diversity
Activity Centres
Established Neighbourhoods (least change)
What is Planning for Growth?
Planning for Growth is a long-term approach to guide how Unley grows to 2050. It shows where new homes, services, and jobs could go — while protecting the character and liveability of our neighbourhoods. It identifies key precincts where new housing and services can be introduced in ways that:
It aims to deliver inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth while maintaining Unley’s desirability as a place to live.
Why is Council doing this now?
The City of Unley is expected to grow — more people will need homes, services and jobs. The State Government has set housing targets, and this approach helps us plan for sustainable growth in a way that suits our community and meets the expectations of the 2050 vision for Unley.
Why is this important for me and my neighbourhood?
Planning for Growth will help shape how your area might change over the next 25 years. We want your feedback so the changes reflect what matters most to the community.
Why is this approach needed?
People and Places: Planning for Growth serves multiple purposes:
What does Planning for Growth propose?
The City Growth Plan aims to build stronger main streets, support established and emerging commercial precincts, as well as to increase the resilience of our established neighbourhoods.
It identifies generalised areas where opportunities for increased housing choice and population growth may be accommodated, without impacting on the historic character and qualities of the City that should be protected.
The City Growth Plan reinforces established corridor development policies set in place by past Council and State Government strategic directions.
It also identifies nine key areas (Precincts) considered to have the greatest potential to accommodate additional and more diverse housing in the City. It also supports better design, more housing choices, and stronger local economies.
What is “Living Locally”?
Living Locally means having shops, parks, schools, and jobs close to home, so people can walk, cycle, or use public transport instead of driving. It’s about creating connected, convenient neighbourhoods.
What can the community influence?
You can help shape:
What is not open for negotiation?
The overall housing targets are set by the State Government. However, how we meet those targets — and where growth happens — is up to us, with your input.
How can I have my say?
Visit the precinct boards where you can ‘like’ the features you support, leave comments, and/or suggest improvements. You can also attend workshops or drop-in sessions:
What will happen with my feedback?
All feedback will be reviewed and reported to Council. It will help Elected Members with their decision-making when finalising the People and Places: Planning for Growth document. This in turn will help guide future planning decisions, including the Local Housing Strategy and the City Plan 2050.
What other factors will influence how Planning for Growth will be implemented?
Community feedback is one of the influencing factors that Council will consider in their decision-making. Council will also need to consider:
Other influences including:
Key Concepts:
Growth Modelling:
Proposed Land Use Categories:
Will this lead to immediate changes in my area?
No. This is a strategic, long-term approach. Any changes to zoning or development rules would happen later and must adhere to State Government Policy and Planning Guidelines.
What are “precincts” and why are they important?
Precincts are areas identified as having the most potential to support new housing, services, or jobs. They’ve been chosen based on proximity to public transport stops and commercial areas
How does this relate to heritage and character protection?
People and Places: Planning for Growth aims to protect Unley’s valued heritage and character. Established neighbourhoods with strong character are expected to stay largely the same.