A vast new defence and aerospace precinct has been proposed for the outskirts of Adelaide, as the South Australian government looks to attract more defence industry investment.
A 400 hectare parcel of agricultural land neighboring the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Edinburgh Air Base has been earmarked for the precinct as part of wider economic zone.
It is expected to “prioritise development for defence and aerospace related industries”, according to the Defence and Aerospace Code Amendment, released by the state government last week.
SA Defence and Space Industries minister Stephen Mulligan said that the new precinct in the northern suburb of Penfield will “build upon the existing operations in the area and encourage further investment in our state”.
“South Australia’s defence industry is growing, and this proposed rezoning presents an opportunity to further reinforce our reputation as the defence state,” he said in a statement.
According to planning documents, the precinct will support growth of the state’s manufacturing and defence capabilities, building on existing industry already based in the area at Edinburgh Parks.
“The subzone will provide opportunity to continue the development and concentration of the cluster of defence and technology-related activities around RAAF Edinburgh,” the planning document said.
It will also host other “industrial, commercial and business activities”, addressing the growing need for employment land with “high quality” road and rail links in Adelaide.
A forthcoming $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility for RAAF’s Boeing P-8 maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft is “expected to act as a catalyst for more employment related development”.
“Industrially purposed land” in nearby Edinburgh North is approaching capacity at the same time as demand grows for employment land at Edinburgh Parks, the documents said.
Planning minister Nick Champion said transforming the currently “underutilised land into a new defence precinct that would create jobs and expand SA’s growing defence industry”.
“It is a unique opportunity to take advantage of the area’s strategic location next to RAAF Base Edinburgh and future proof this area for more specialised jobs,” he said in a statement.
The City of Playford has initiated the code amendment, with a series of investigations now to be undertaken for the rezoning proposal, including a concept plan and community consultation.
City of Playford mayor Glenn Docherty said the proposal “represents an opportunity to secure long-term economic growth, expand the existing local defence industry, and create the jobs needed to support our rapidly growing population”.
The site has been flagged for rezoning since the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide in 2010, with the land designated for “future strategic employment lands” with the arrival of the updated 30-Year Plan in 2017.
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