Regional Development Australia (RDA) Far North led the development of the Port Augusta Infrastructure for Growth Strategy and Investment Prospectus in partnership with Port Augusta City Council and with funding support from the Local Buying Foundation and the Port Augusta Business Centre. Both RDA Far North and Council also provided significant in-kind contributions to ensure the project was delivered to a high standard.

RDA Far North was best placed to lead because of its independent, region-wide remit and established credibility as the “eyes and ears on the ground” for government. Local governments across the region recognised that fragmented advocacy would dilute impact. By coordinating the process through RDA Far North, the project combined local government knowledge with regional economic intelligence, producing a strategy that was evidence-based, community-backed and aligned with State and Commonwealth priorities.

The context for the strategy is clear. Port Augusta is the service hub of the Far North, located at the crossroads of national road, rail and energy corridors. The city faces pressures and opportunities arising from population growth, resource and renewable energy projects, logistics, tourism and general growth which comes from the city’s role as the major service centre for the region. Without a coordinated plan, the city risked missing investment opportunities and falling behind on essential infrastructure.

RDA Far North convened broad engagement with stakeholders, including government agencies, Traditional Owners, business and community representatives. Infrastructure audits and economic modelling were undertaken, covering land, housing, workforce, and transport needs. The work was framed against the Commonwealth Regional Investment Framework, ensuring alignment with national priorities. From this foundation, RDA Far North produced a professional Investment Prospectus designed to be dual-purpose: a tool for government funding applications and a vehicle for private capital attraction.

The Strategy focused on five interconnected themes: services infrastructure (health, education and community facilities), land and housing development, transport connectivity across road, rail and port, digital connectivity, and labour capacity with a particular focus on workforce housing. Together, these pillars provide a comprehensive framework for the city’s growth and liveability.

The outcomes have been significant. The Strategy is now council-endorsed and provides a ten-year roadmap for infrastructure priorities, showcasing more than 20 priority projects with costings, impact analysis and funding pathways. It has already been used to strengthen advocacy with State and Commonwealth agencies and engage the private sector. Most importantly, Port Augusta is now positioned as an investment ready city.

This project directly aligns with RDA Far North’s focus and supports economic development and jobs growth by underpinning housing, services and workforce infrastructure. It delivers on strategic infrastructure investment by providing a clear, endorsed project pipeline. It also strengthens regional intelligence to government by supplying evidence-based investment priorities for a key regional hub.

By leading this initiative, RDA Far North has delivered a credible, investment-ready blueprint that positions Port Augusta at the centre of South Australia’s northern growth agenda.

Image Source: RDA Far North (Regional Development Australia Far North)