The creation of a long-term housing and infrastructure plan for the Murray Mallee has been placed on hold, as river communities prepare for an historic flood event.

Postponing the plan will allow communities the time and council resources necessary to weather the flood event and its effects – and will incorporate any rebuild efforts into long-term planning for the towns.

Consultation on the Murray Mallee Regional Plan – led by the State Planning Commission – was originally expected to start in the coming weeks, however it will now commence in late 2023/early 2024.

The decision follows ongoing consultation with the Local Government Association and allows more time to assess the full extent of flood impacts across the Riverland and Murraylands as communities respond over the coming months.

Regional plans play a key role in shaping where houses will go, how housing and population will be serviced, what infrastructure is required and how land can be developed to support sustainable growth.

They focus on how each region will look and function over the next 15 to 30 years – which will be vital for Murray Mallee residents as focus shifts to rebuilding efforts.

More information on regional plans is available on the PlanSA website.