More than 500 members packed into the Adelaide Convention Centre for day one of the UDIA National Congress to hear a passionate keynote address in favour of supply by South Australian Premier, the Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, followed by the launch of the annual State of the Land report.
Mr Malinauskas told the audience, “if it’s not about supply, it’s not making a difference.”
In a strong message to all other states and territories, the SA Premier spoke about removing the 85 per cent infill target in Adelaide to get more homes built. Other standout messages included his willingness to tackle the water infrastructure challenge and avoiding populist rhetoric to stay focused on clear policy solutions that focus on increased supply.
Federal Minister for Housing, the Hon. Clare O’Neil MP, outlined the Australian Government’s priorities for housing supply and urban growth. The session revealed important insights into the role collaboration across industry and government can play in increasing supply and shaping Australia’s growing cities. There was a clear call for state and local governments to reduce regulatory red tape slowing which is slowing down the delivery of housing across the country.
UDIA National President, Oscar Stanley, launched UDIA’s flagship annual review, State of the Land 2026 (SOTL), with expert insights from Director of Research4, Colin Keane; Head of Research at Cotality, Tim Lawless; and National Executive Director of Research at Charter Keck Cramer, Richard Temlett.
Mr Stanley said, “what we heard today from both levels of government is clear. There is a human societal toll to not making housing supply the priority.”
“The State of the Land report shows we are still falling well short of what’s required. Accelerating planning reform and delivering more of every type of housing is an essential service,” Mr Stanley added.
Delegates have spent the afternoon on study tours of key projects across Adelaide and outer suburbs including Mount Barker greenfield development sites. Day two will commence with a “Decade of Change” session focusing on what has changed in the 10 years since the UDIA National Congress was last hosted by South Australia; how the state’s development landscape has evolved, shifts in policy, economy and project delivery – and a look at what might be in store over the next 10 years.