Building liveable communities: The role of local councils in SA’s housing landscape

Local councils play a vital role in shaping liveable communities and are actively working with the State Government to help more South Australians find a home that’s right for them.

From offering rate rebates and releasing land for housing, to streamlining approval processes and building community facilities, local councils are committed to building liveable communities.

Riverlea resident, Aaron Lock, shares the factors influencing his decision to buy in one of Adelaide’s newest residential developments in Adelaide’s north.

The appeal of Riverlea

When Aaron, a 38-year-old Air Force veteran, and his partner decided to buy a family home in Riverlea, their choice was driven by a need for space to accommodate their blended family of four children. The decision to build rather than buy an existing property stemmed from the affordability offered in this area, especially given the rising prices in more established neighbourhoods.

“We had been looking for a new family home for quite a while but as the search continued, we were quickly getting priced out of the market, as house prices continued to rise,” Aaron said.

“Riverlea provided a great opportunity to build a large family home that could accommodate all of our needs, without the price tag of other areas.”

The role of local councils

Local councils play a crucial role in enhancing the attractiveness of developments like Riverlea. For Aaron and his family, the future plans laid out for the community, including access to schools and parks, were key factors in their decision to settle there.

“We were particularly drawn to the idea of having everything nearby, including future schooling options,” he said.

“Having great playgrounds, local shops, community centres, parks and free spaces for local residents to enjoy is a really important part of creating a community – and councils play an important role in creating and maintaining these spaces.”

Since settling in Riverlea, Aaron joined the local community group, who are keen to build a sense of community in the new suburb.

“Small populations can feel isolated, but by organising community events and encouraging local engagement, we can build a sense of community from the ground up,” Aaron explained.

“We are a group of around 8-10 people who live in the area and we are really trying to put in the effort early to build a strong community, so that as the Riverlea population grows, so too does our connection to our neighbours.

“At the end of the day, we all want to live in a community, where people know each other and help each other out – and that is what we are trying to build.”

To find out more about other housing incentives being offered by South Australian councils, visit Building Liveable Communities.