Regional leaders unite behind plan to unlock billions in major projects

The Strategic Regional Plan 2030 recognises the Eyre Peninsula is entering a period of significant transformation, supported by a pipeline of up to $25 billion in major projects with the potential to create over 26,000 new jobs across sectors including renewable energy, mining, green manufacturing, transport infrastructure, space, tourism and aquaculture.

The Plan identifies four key strategic themes that will guide regional advocacy and investment:

• Social Capacity
• Infrastructure Capability
• Economic Prosperity
• Environmental Sustainability

Together these themes are supported by 18 priority areas and a series of practical actions designed to strengthen communities, improve liveability, facilitate investment and support sustainable economic growth.

The Plan builds on the inaugural 2023 Strategic Regional Plan and reflects the significant economic, environmental and social changes that have occurred across the region since its release. More than 150 stakeholders contributed to the refresh through interviews, regional workshops and community surveys, ensuring the priorities identified are grounded in local knowledge and experience.

Issues consistently identified by regional stakeholders included:

• housing supply and affordability;
• workforce attraction and skills;
• healthcare and aged care;
• childcare availability;
• transport infrastructure;
• water and energy security;
• telecommunications; and
• economic diversification.

RDAEP Chair Sue Chase AM said the Eyre Peninsula Strategic Regional Plan 2030 provides government, investors and industry with a clear understanding of the region's priorities.

"The Eyre Peninsula has enormous potential. We are seeing unprecedented opportunities in renewable energy, mining, advanced manufacturing, aquaculture, agriculture and space technologies. To capitalise on these opportunities we must continue to advocate with one clear regional voice.

"This Plan ensures our three organisations are aligned and provides a coordinated framework to guide investment, influence government policy and support sustainable economic development across the region."

EPLGA President Mayor Dean Johnson said councils were committed to working collaboratively with each other and RDAEP and the EPLB to tackle the barriers holding the region back.

"We know we’ve got some big challenges such as lack of housing, childcare, health services and water security that we need to address to ensure our region continues to thrive.

“Our councils are no longer just local service providers – we’re enablers, facilitators and, in many cases, the delivery partners for projects that will shape the Eyre Peninsula’s future.”

EPLB Chair Peter Treloar said protecting the region's natural assets remains fundamental to future prosperity.

"Our economy and our environment are intrinsically linked. Water security, biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable land management are essential if we are to continue growing our industries and communities," Mr Treloar said.

"This Plan recognises that long-term economic success depends on maintaining healthy landscapes while supporting innovation and responsible development."

Importantly, the Eyre Peninsula Strategic Regional Plan 2030 is more than a vision document. It will directly inform the annual business planning and advocacy activities of RDAEP, EPLGA and EPLB, ensuring resources are aligned and regional priorities are pursued collectively across all levels of government.

The three organisations will continue working closely with government, industry, First Nations communities, businesses and community organisations to deliver the Plan's priorities and maximise opportunities for the Eyre Peninsula.

The Eyre Peninsula Strategic Regional Plan 2030 demonstrates what can be achieved when regional organisations work together with a shared purpose. It provides a unified voice for the region, ensuring our advocacy is informed by evidence, shaped by community input and focused on delivering long-term economic, social and environmental outcomes.